Staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma--the past, the present and the future

Oral Oncol. 2014 Jun;50(6):549-54. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.06.003. Epub 2013 Jul 6.

Abstract

This article reviews the evolution of the International Union Against Cancer/American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. With the increasing availability of newer imaging methods, more sophisticated radiotherapy techniques and rapidly evolving molecular assays, we also examine newer clinical features that might have impact on staging. A new version of the staging system taking into account of some of these factors is also proposed.

Keywords: NPC; Prognosis; Staging; TNM.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Staging