How Are Head and Neck Cancers Diagnosed?

If you have the symptoms of head and neck cancer, your doctor will begin your diagnosis with a medical history and physical examination.

Diagnosis of head and neck cancers usually involves several tests to help determine the stage of the cancer. The size and extent to which the cancer has spread from its site of origin is referred to as the stage. The following tests may be performed after the medical history and physical examination:

• Endoscopy - A procedure performed to obtain a biopsy, determine the local extent of the cancer, and look for additional cancers. An endoscope is a lighted flexible tube, which is used to examine the throat, larynx, and upper esophagus.

• Biopsy - A biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of the suspected cancer. The samples are then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) - A small needle is used to collect a tiny piece of tissue or a small sample of fluid. The doctor might use CT scans or ultrasound to guide the needle.

• Computed tomographic (CT) scans - This is a noninvasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs to detect abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans - A noninvasive procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure.

• Ultrasound - A diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.

• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan - A PET scan is often valuable for detecting the extent to which the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and to further identify the extent of cancer at the primary location.

• Additional procedures may include blood tests, a chest x-ray, and sometimes additional surgery for lymph node evaluation.

How Are Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancers Diagnosed?