Evaluation of the negative pressure suction method in the cytodiagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

A special device for collecting exfoliative cells in nasopharyngeal carcinoma diagnosis by negative pressure suction method is recommended. This device consists of a metallic suction tube with a round tip and a modulator which is connected to a suction pump; it passes via the oral cavity into the nasopharynx to collect exfoliative cells. From March 1973 to July 1977, 824 out-patients were examined with cytology and biopsy in our hospital. Of these, 481 cases were confirmed as nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Among them, 431 were cytology-positive; 453 cases were biopsy-positive. The positive cytology rate was 89.6% and the positive biopsy rate was 94.2%.