Magnetic resonance imaging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor that its the highest rates in Southeast Asia. It is a locally aggressive neoplasm that has a propensity for developing regional neck adenopathy. The main treatment modality consists primarily of radiation therapy. Cross-sectional imaging is important in order to achieve an accurate delineation of tumor extent, thereby facilitating both staging and treatment. MRI is currently considered the best modality to assess for NPC. The aim of this review is to provide a pictorial MRI review of NPC according to the recently released 7th edition of the International Union Against Cancer staging system.