In view of the complexity of the head and neck region anatomy, an accurate diagnosis and images interpretation of nasopharyngeal tumors remains a challenge. The aim of our work was to: Illustrate the magnetic imaging (MR) findings in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Understand the routes of extension of NPC.

1/Anatomy The nasopharynx is the superior portion of the tubular pharynx Fig. 1 ,its limits are: ·Superior: Central skull base. ·Inferior: The soft palate, separating it from oropharynx. ·Posterior: The clivus and the two first cerical vertebrae. ·Anterior: Nasal cavity and choane. ·Lateral: The lateral walls of the nasopharynx are in continuity with the lateral oropharyngeal walls. The pharyngobasilar fascia forms the wall of the nasopharynx. Foramen of morgani is a small lateral attachment in pharyngobasilar fascia skull base, through which the Eustachian tube pass...

Detection of NPC: In patients with high risk of NPC (elevated blood serology), an endoscopic guided biopsy isperformed to sample the nasopharynx even when the endoscopy is normal. MR is a valuable tool to detect small tumors that would aid in directing the site of biopsies and avoid to miss small mucosal lesions (6% of tumors not seen on endoscopy). Staging of NPC: It is important to understand the potential patterns of tumor spread in NPC to anticipate and detect subtle findings which may upstage...

MR imaging is a valuable tool to assess the routes of extension of NPC with providing multiplanar anatomic details . An accurate assessment of the tumor extent is a challenge for the radiologist due to anatomic complexity of the region.

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