Fluoroscopy-Guided Transnasal Biopsy of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using a Flexible Bronchoscopic Biopsy Forcep

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Otolaryngoscopic biopsy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a generalized method which may be associatedwith inadequate sampling of tissue and patient discomfort. So, we tried fluoroscopy-guided transnasal biopsy using bronchoscopic biopsy forcep and evaluated its safety and efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively weperformed fluoroscopy-guided transnasal biopsy in 11 patients who were radiographically suspected of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The posterior wall of the nasopharynx was coated with barium sulfate under fluoroscopy. A flexible bronchoscopic biopsy forcep with a steerable guiding catheter which was used in removal of intrahepaticduct stones was inserted through the nare. After localization of the tip of the biopsy forcep at tumor site with fluoroscopy, a tissue specimen was obtained. We also tried CT guided biopsy in initial 2 cases. Each patient hadotolaryngoscopic biopsy to compare the biopsy result and patient discomfort. RESULTS: We could have sufficientamount of tissue for pathological evaluation in 10 of 11 patients by the first pass with the fluoroscopic technique. Contrarily, otolaryngoscopic biopsy was successful in 7 of 11 patients on single passage. Additionally, 2 patients had complaint in our method comparing with 9 patients in otolaryngoscopic biopsy. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopy-guided transnasal biopsy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma using the bronchoscopic biopsy forcep is safe and accurate. It can be a appropriate method competing otolaryngoscopic biopsy.