Fortunately, many head and neck cancers produce early symptoms - all the more reason why it is so important to be aware of the potential warning signs so you can alert your doctor as soon as possible. Remember – successful treatment of head and neck cancer depends on early detection. Knowing and recognizing the signs can save your life.
Common Tests Used to Diagnose Head and Neck Cancers
It’s important to understand the exams and tests conducted for head and neck cancer may vary depending on the symptoms. Screening and exams that may be useful in testing for and/or diagnosing head and neck cancer include:
- Physical examination by a healthcare professional - this may include visual inspection of the oral and nasal cavities, neck, throat and tongue using a small mirror and/or lights. He or she may also feel for lumps on the neck, lips, gums and cheeks.
- Endoscopy - This tool uses a thin, lighted tube to examine different areas inside the body.
- Laboratory tests - Examine samples of blood, urine or other substances from the body.
- X-rays create images of areas inside the head and neck on film for further review by your medical team.
- Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the head and neck created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnet linked to a computer to create detailed pictures of areas inside the head and neck.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) uses sugar that is modified in a specific way so it is absorbed by cancer cells and appears as dark areas on the scan.
- A Biopsy is the removal of a piece of tissue. A pathologist studies the tissue under a microscope to make a diagnosis. A biopsy is the only sure way to tell for sure whether or not a person has cancer.
Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Staging
If the diagnosis is cancer, your doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of disease. Staging is the process of determining how much cancer there is in your body, as well as where it is located. Doctors need to know the amount of cancer and where it is located in the body in order to choose the best possible treatment for that particular person.
Stages of head and neck cancer are:
- Stage I cancers are small, localized and usually curable.
- Stage II and III cancers typically are locally advanced and/or have spread to local lymph nodes.
- Stage IV cancers usually are metastatic (have spread to distant parts of the body) and generally are considered inoperable.
Learn More About Head and Neck Cancers
About Head and Neck Cancers
Screening and Diagnosis
Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers
Learn More About Cancer Services Provided by Saint Francis
For additional information or to schedule a consultation with a cancer specialist, please call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.