Epstein-Barr virus DNA detection in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

STUDY DESIGN

Eighty-six postnasal biopsy samples and 71 fine-needle aspirate samples of neck masses were obtained from patients who were clinically suspect for NPC. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples, and EBNA1, EBNA2, and LMP genes of EBV were detected by PCR. PCR results were compared with NPC histopathology findings.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of PCR to detect EBNA1 (97.14%), EBNA2 (88.57%), and LMP (91.43%) genes of EBV in nasopharyngeal biopsy samples were higher than those in fine-needle aspirate samples.

CONCLUSION

Detection of EBV by PCR in tissue obtained from nasopharyngeal biopsy and fine-needle aspirate samples of neck masses is a relatively inexpensive, reliable, and accurate method of diagnosing NPC. Detection of EBV genes is on par with histopathological examination (HPE) and superior to fine-needle aspirate cytology.

SIGNIFICANCE

PCR is an ideal tool for suggesting NPC and guiding the diagnostic workup in occult primary tumors, facilitating earlier diagnosis and reducing morbidity and mortality.