Head and neck cancers can be complex conditions to diagnose and treat. The OSUCCC – James Head and Neck Cancer Program is committed to improving outcomes in those living with these cancers. As the only program of its kind in the region, our experts are researching the causes of head and neck cancer to better understand how we can potentially reduce the incidence of it. There are many types of head and neck cancer, so screening and diagnosis will vary based on where in the head and neck (or other areas of the body) it is found.
Screening for head and neck cancer
Currently, there aren’t any universal screening tests for head and neck cancers. Often, these cancers are diagnosed at more advanced stages when symptoms may be noticeable.
However, some head and neck cancers, such as those found in the oral cavity (mouth) or oropharynx (throat), can be found early during a dental exam by your dentist or a physical exam by your doctor. They can check for signs of cancer in the mouth.
These can include:
- Mouth sores that don’t heal
- Patches in the mouth or throat
- Color changes inside the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes
If your doctor or dentist finds anything unusual, they’ll refer you for additional diagnostic testing. It’s important to note that these symptoms may also be signs of other illness and may not be a type of head and neck cancer, so it’s important to see your doctor.
How is head and neck cancer diagnosed?
After you’ve been examined and your doctor suspects that you may have head and neck cancer, they’ll recommend one or more tests to determine an exact cause. There are specific tests for some subtypes of different head and neck cancers. Therefore, your doctor will determine what testing you’ll need based on the location of the suspected cancer.
Some common tests used to diagnose head and neck cancers include:
Imaging
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to check areas of concern in the head and neck. If a tumor (mass) is suspected, an ultrasound technologist will perform an imaging exam to understand the makeup of the tumor.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: An MRI scan is an imaging test that doesn’t use radiation. Using strong magnets, it creates a three-dimensional (3D) image of the head and neck.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: Your doctor may also order a CT scan. This type of machine rotates around your head and neck and takes many different cross-sectional images to form a 3D image of the area. Sometimes a CT may use a special dye called contrast to help highlight concerning areas and help your doctors better see the head and neck structures.
Once the imaging tests are completed, a radiologist will review the images and will generate a report for your doctor.
Diagnostic procedures
In addition to imaging tests, your doctor may order another diagnostic procedure to determine if you have a form of head and neck cancer.
- Endoscopy: For certain types of head and neck cancer, an endoscopy may be performed. During an endoscopy, a doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera and light attached to the end, called an endoscope, to examine the throat, esophagus, stomach and the opening of the small intestine. The procedure is performed using sedation so you won’t remember anything or experience pain. While the doctor performs the procedure, they’ll also collect tissue samples (biopsies) in any questionable areas. Upon completion of the procedure, the doctor will share any findings and outline the next steps. The biopsy results will be available several days later and if any tissue is concerning, they’ll plan for follow-up testing.
- Biopsy: In some cases, your doctor may perform a biopsy alone to collect a tissue sample from any concerning areas. A trained OSUCCC – James pathologist will then look at the tissue under a microscope and determine if it’s cancerous or benign (non-cancerous). The pathologist will share the findings with your doctor. The type of biopsy will be determined by your doctor. You may feel some discomfort during a biopsy, but it shouldn’t be painful.