If your GP or dentist thinks that your symptoms could be caused by cancer, or they are not sure what the problem is you will generally be referred to a specialist Ear, Nose and Throat clinic at your local hospital.
If your only symptom is a lump in your neck, you can get a rapid diagnosis at a one stop neck lump clinic. At this clinic the team will carry out an endoscopy, take a biopsy of the lump and carry out an x-ray.
For a general referral you are likely to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist surgeon.
Types of tests:
Ultrasound ExpandAn ultrasound uses soundwaves to produce a picture of your neck and allows the radiographer to review the lymph nodes on a screen.
Nasendoscopy ExpandA nasendoscopy is a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end is used to look at the back of your mouth, nose, pharynx and larynx.
Endoscopy ExpandThe surgeon may need to examine the area in further detail using an endoscope which will require a general anaesthetic. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light at the end.
Trans-Nasal Flexible Laryngo-Oesophagoscopy (TNFLO) ExpandA trans-nasal flexible laryngo-oesophagoscopy (TNFLO) may be used instead of an endoscopy if the patient is unable to have a general anaesthetic. It allows the doctor to look at your nose, throat, voice box and oesophagus.
Biopsy ExpandThe doctor collects a biopsy of cells or tissue which are then analysed by a pathologist for cancer cells. The biopsy may include testing to see whether the person has HPV which has been linked to a higher risk of some head and neck cancers. In some cases, whether a person has HPV can also be a factor in determining which treatments are likely to be most effective.
If tests have shown that you have a diagnosis of head and neck cancer, the team will arrange for further tests to establish the exact location and staging of the cancer so a treatment plan can be established. Depending on the complexity of the head and neck cancer you may be referred to a specialist head and neck unit.
X-Rays ExpandAn x-ray is a way to create a picture of the structures inside of the body, using a small amount of radiation.
CT Scan ExpandA CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles. A computer combines these pictures into a detailed, 3-dimensional image that shows any abnormalities or tumours. A special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to provide better detail on the image. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or given as a pill or liquid to swallow.
MRI ExpandAn MRI scanner uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the body, especially images of soft tissue, such as the tonsils and base of the tongue.
A special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to create a clearer picture. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or given as a pill or liquid to swallow.
PET-CT Scan ExpandA PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive sugar substance is injected into the patient’s body. This sugar substance is taken up by cells that use the most energy. Because cancer tends to use energy actively, it absorbs more of the radioactive substance. A scanner then detects this substance to produce images of the inside of the body.
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