Abstract:Objective To explore the differences between nasopharyngeal skull base necrosis and tumor recurrence after radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by comparing their basic information, symptoms, endoscopic and imaging results, so as to provide basis for the diagnosis of patients and facilitate the evaluation and formulation of accurate treatment plans. Methods A total of 38 NPC patients with nasopharyngeal skull base destruction after radiotherapy from January 2012 to April 2022 were selected as the study objects. According to pathological results, they were divided into necrosis group and recurrence group. Differences in gender composition, age of onset, secondary radiotherapy, onset time, nasal endoscopic, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were compared between the two groups. Results There were significant differences between the two groups in gender composition, onset time, secondary radiotherapy, nasal odor, endoscopic nasopharyngeal necrosis and neoplasm, CT manifestations of bone destruction and nasopharyngeal soft tissue enhancement, and MRI T2 and enhancement of soft tissue and bone marrow (P<0.05). Conclusion Through comprehensive analysis of the gender, onset time, clinical symptoms, nasal endoscopic findings, CT and MRI findings of the patients with nasopharyngeal skull base destruction after radiotherapy, the preliminary differentiation between nasopharyngeal skull base necrosis and tumor recurrence after radiotherapy for NPC can be made, which is conducive to the development of accurate clinical treatment plans.
