Abstract
A new stage classification of nasopharyngeal carcinoma was reported from UICC in 1997. It is defined as: confined to nasopharynx; T1, oropharynx or nasal fossa; T2a, parapharynx extension; T2b, bone or paranasal sinus invasion; T3. CT or MRI examination is indispensable for new classification. N staging, is defined as: unilateral; N1, bilateral; N2, >6cm or supraclavicular fossa nodes; N3. Stage IV is restricted to cases of T4 or N3 or M1 We examined 30 patients with nasopharyngeal squamous cell carci-noma who took examinations of CT or MRI on first visit at Keio University Hospital between 1984 and 1995. A comparative study was performed between new and former classifications. For stage classification, down staging was observed in 19 cases, and up staging was observed in 1 case. Some stage IV cases were devided into stage II or III by new classification. More patients are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of new classification.
