Tumour extent and T stage of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic findings

Purpose: To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomograph y (CT) in defining the T stage and full tumour extent of nasopharyngeal car cinoma. Patients and methods: Forty-eight patients with pathologically prov en nasopharyngeal carcinoma underwent MRT and CT examinations within 2 week s of each other. Contrast medium was used in both examinations. The T stage and full tumour extent according to MRI and CT were compared. Results: In 32 patients MRI and CT findings agreed completely. MRI findings resulted in assignment of a higher stage than CT findings in another 8 patients. In th e remaining 8 patients MRI showed wider tumour spread than CT, although the re was no discordance in the T stage assigned. Conclusion: When compared wi th CT in defining the full tumour extent and assigning the T stage in 48 pa tients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, MRI showed more extensive disease in 16 patients, including 8 in whom the T stage was revised upward. Therapy wa s altered as a result of the MRI findings.