Pathological features of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A single-center study in Vietnam

Aims: We carried out this research to investigate the pathological characteristics of NPC to broaden the knowledge in diagnosing and treating this type of cancer. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 106 patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) at the Department of Pathology of Hue Central Hospital from January 2018 to June 2020. This study demonstrates the clinical data (age and sex) and histopathological findings of all patients. The histopathological diagnosis is based on the WHO classification in 1991. Results: The data of 73 male patients and 33 female patients were analyzed and showed that the proportion of undifferentiated carcinoma was the most common type (70.8%), followed by well-differentiated keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (19.8%) and other types (9.4%). In terms of immunohistochemistry, 21/21 of well-differentiated keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma cases expressed positive reactivity to CKAE1/3; meanwhile, only 5/75 of undifferentiated cases had the same result. Discussion: Biopsy is essential for the identification of cancerous tissues. Therefore, the specimen should be obtained precisely and sufficiently in the area of injury. It is notable for avoiding collecting the necrosis areas and taking the edge of the lesion. We recommended a clinical consultation between otolaryngologists and oncologists to determine the area and the general characteristics of the lesion for making a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Immunohistochemistry can be helpful in confirming the type of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases that are already stained with hematoxylin and eosin but are still challenging to diagnose.