in nasopharyngeal ca the first involved node is node of rouviere or upper deep cervical node
In nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the first involved lymph node is typically the retropharyngeal lymph node, also known as the node of Rouviere. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes are located in the upper part of the neck, behind the nasopharynx. They drain the posterior nasopharyngeal area and are frequently involved in NPC due to the proximity of the primary tumor.
It’s important to note that NPC is known for its propensity to spread to regional lymph nodes early in the disease course. The involvement of retropharyngeal lymph nodes is commonly seen at the time of diagnosis or during the initial stages of the disease. Subsequently, other cervical lymph nodes, including the upper deep cervical nodes, may become involved as the disease progresses.
The upper deep cervical nodes are a group of lymph nodes located in the upper part of the neck, above the level of the hyoid bone. They are part of the cervical lymph node chain and can be affected by metastasis from NPC, particularly as the disease spreads beyond the nasopharynx.
The specific pattern and extent of lymph node involvement can vary among individuals, and imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI are often used to evaluate the extent of the disease and plan appropriate treatment strategies. The involvement of lymph nodes in NPC is an important factor in staging the disease and determining the optimal treatment approach.