How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?
Head and neck cancer is diagnosed by a combination of the history and physical examination, various imaging studies (CAT scans, MRI scans), and biopsies of the tumor. The biopsy is often the most important piece of information. It involves cutting a small piece of the tumor and sending this piece to the pathologist for microscopic examination. If the suspicious region is in the mouth, the biopsy can often be done in the office. However, if there are concerns about regions deeper in the throat, the biopsy will probably be done in the operating room under a general anesthetic. Along with biopsies of suspicious lesions, it is also important to examine the entire throat for any sign of other cancers. This is usually done with a general anesthetic in the operating room in a procedure called “endoscopy”. Endoscopy consists of a careful examination of the lining of the mouth, throat, esophagus and lungs. In some cases, imaging studies can be done in place of the endoscopy, but this may vary a
