Diagnosing nasopharyngeal cancer.

When nasopharyngeal carcinoma is suspected clinically, an adequate tissue sample should be taken at the patient's first visit. Should the initial tissue sample be nondiagnostic, depending on the index of suspicion in the individual case, the process may be repeated under either local or general anesthesia. It is important that a detailed examination of the nasopharynx be undertaken in the outpatient setting. Biopsy should be performed accurately under direct visualization. Large biopsy forceps are essential to obtain an adequate tissue sample. Biopsy under local anesthesia is safe, easy to perform, well tolerated by the patient, and should be undertaken in the outpatient clinic. This direct diagnostic approach achieves a rapid diagnosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.