BACKGROUND: Dysplasia or carcinoma in situ lesions (NPCIS) of the nasopharynx have rarely been reported. The prevalence, biologic behavior, and the transformation period of the pure preinvasive lesions have not been fully explained. METHODS: All cases of NPCIS were retrospectively reviewed during the period between 1990 and 2000. The clinical features of all cases were studied. The biopsy samples were examined using light microscopy and in situ hybridization (ISH) for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER). The sera taken before and after the transformation were analyzed for anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA) EBV titers and circulating cell-free EBV DNA concentration. RESULTS: Three cases of NPCIS were identified. Two of the three cases subsequently developed into invasive NPC after initial presentation. The interval of transformation varied from 40 to 48 months. In all three cases, the specimens showed abnormal findings on light microscopy and positive staining for EBER. Elevated anti-VCA titers were present in two of the preinvasive lesions. No cell-free EBV DNA was detected in the sera of these patients during the preinvasive phase of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Preinvasive NPC is a rare but distinct entity. Its transformation period can be as long as 4 to 5 years. Elevated anti-VCA titers, in the presence of abnormal cells on light microscopy, should alert the pathologist to perform ISH EBER studies to diagnose this rare condition. Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BACKGROUND:Dysplasia or carcinoma in situ lesions (NPCIS) of the nasopharynx have rarely been reported. The prevalence, biologic behavior, and the transformation period of the pure preinvasive lesions have not been fully explained. METHODS: All cases of NPCIS were retrospectively reviewed during the period between 1990 and 2000. The clinical features of all cases were studied. The biopsy samples were examined using light microscopy and in situ hybridization (ISH) for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER). The sera taken before and after the transformation were analyzed for anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA) EBV titers and circulating cell-free EBV DNA concentration. RESULTS: Three cases of NPCIS were identified. Two of the three cases subsequently developed into invasive NPC after initial presentation. The interval of transformation varied from 40 to 48 months. In all three cases, the specimens showed abnormal findings on light microscopy and positive staining for EBER. Elevated anti-VCA titers were present in two of the preinvasive lesions. No cell-free EBV DNA was detected in the sera of these patients during the preinvasive phase of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Preinvasive NPC is a rare but distinct entity. Its transformation period can be as long as 4 to 5 years. Elevated anti-VCA titers, in the presence of abnormal cells on light microscopy, should alert the pathologist to perform ISH EBER studies to diagnose this rare condition. Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Authors: Weitao Lin; Yim Ling Yip; Lin Jia; Wen Deng; Hong Zheng; Wei Dai; Josephine Mun Yee Ko; Kwok Wai Lo; Grace Tin Yun Chung; Kevin Y Yip; Sau-Dan Lee; Johnny Sheung-Him Kwan; Jun Zhang; Tengfei Liu; Jimmy Yu-Wai Chan; Dora Lai-Wan Kwong; Victor Ho-Fun Lee; John Malcolm Nicholls; Pierre Busson; Xuefeng Liu; Alan Kwok Shing Chiang; Kwai Fung Hui; Hin Kwok; Siu Tim Cheung; Yuk Chun Cheung; Chi Keung Chan; Bin Li; Annie Lai-Man Cheung; Pok Man Hau; Yuan Zhou; Chi Man Tsang; Jaap Middeldorp; Honglin Chen; Maria Li Lung; Sai Wah Tsao Journal: Nat Commun Date: 2018-11-07 Impact factor: 14.919