- Medical History: A detailed medical history is taken to understand the symptoms and risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history of cancer.
- Physical Examination: The doctor examines the throat, mouth, and neck for abnormalities.
- Diagnostic Tests
- Endoscopy: Flexible endoscopy allows the doctor to view the hypopharynx and surrounding areas. A thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the nose or mouth.
- Imaging Tests:
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the throat and neck.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers detailed images of soft tissues.
- PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Detects cancerous cells by measuring their metabolic activity.
- Barium Swallow: X-ray imaging after swallowing a barium solution to visualize the swallowing process.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area using an endoscope. The sample is then examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): If there are swollen lymph nodes, a fine needle is used to take a small tissue sample from the lymph node for examination.
- Staging: Once cancer is confirmed, staging determines the extent and spread of the disease:
- Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ (localized, not spread)
- Stage I: Small tumor, not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites
- Stage II: Larger tumor, may involve nearby tissues
- Stage III: Larger tumor or has spread to nearby lymph nodes
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body
- Additional Tests
- Blood Tests: To assess overall health and organ function.
- Panendoscopy: A comprehensive examination of the upper digestive tract and airways under general anesthesia.
Diagnosis is a multi-step process involving various GW Cancer Center head and neck cancer specialists, including otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, plastic surgeons, medical and surgical dermatologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and speech pathologists, to ensure accurate identification and appropriate, personalized treatment planning. Regular follow-up and monitoring by your GW Cancer Center multidisciplinary team are essential to assess the treatment's effectiveness and manage any side effects or complications.
