Objective: To develop a method for rapid screening and primary diagnosis of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Method: We detected the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) DNA from nasopharynx tissue and desquamative cells in 144 suspicious NPC patients using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results were compared with the pathologic diagnosis.
Result: The sensitivities were 92.16% and 86.27% respectively, the specificities were 80.95% and 71.43% respectively. There was no significant difference between the results determined by the EBV DNA from nasopharynx tissue and desquamative cells using PCR.
Conclusion: The detection of EBV DNA from nasopharynx tissue and desquamative cells of the NPC by PCR is a simple, safe, rapid, specific and sensitive technique. It is useful in screening, primary diagnosis, evaluation of the curative effect of the NPC.