The Utility of CT-based Node Reporting and Data System (NODE-RADS) in Assessment of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Background: The Node Reporting and Data System (Node-RAD) technique allows for more precise assessment of lymph node involvement in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumors, resulting in better management decisions. Therefore, we used NODE-RADS to evaluate metastatic lymph nodes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods: This study comprised 12 cases with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who were referred from the ENT Department between February and August 2023. The NODE-RADS system was evaluated in all situations.

Results: Application of NODE_RADS scoring system in nasopharyngeal cancers had accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 83.33%, 85.71%, 80%, 85.71%, and 80%, respectively, for evaluating lymph node involvement in nasopharyngeal cancers, implying a clear distinction between benign and malignant cases, with higher NODE-RADS scores strongly associated with metastatic LNs.

Conclusion: A simple NODE_RADS scoring system for CT characteristics of lymph nodes can be used to stratify the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis with high diagnostic accuracy in cases of nasopharyngeal cancers. In everyday practice, this comprehensive and helpful NODE_RADS scoring system, which is based on numerous CT findings, may be useful in evaluating whether patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma have lymph node metastases.