Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Qualitative and Quantitative Diagnosis in Head and Neck Cancer

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8466857/

  The diagnosis is the art of determining the nature of a disease, and an accurate diagnosis is the true cornerstone on which rational treatment should be built. […] The purpose of this work is to point out the differences and the aims of the different types of diagnoses and to highlight their importance in the management of patients with head and neck tumours. Qualitative diagnosis is performed by a pathologist and is essential in determining the management and can provide guidance on prognosis. […] The accurate establishment of both diagnoses plays an essential role in treatment planning. Getting the right diagnosis is a key aspect of health care, and it provides an explanation of a patients health problem and informs subsequent decision. […] An accurate diagnosis of the type of malignancy is a key component of effective management.

• #1 Overview of the diagnosis and staging of head and neck cancer – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-diagnosis-and-staging-of-head-and-neck-cancer

  Overview of the diagnosis and staging of head and neck cancer […] This topic will review the initial evaluation, diagnosis, and staging of head and neck cancer. […] The initial evaluation of a patient with a suspected head and neck cancer involves a physical exam, imaging studies, and tissue diagnosis. […] Patients suspected of having head and neck cancer based on the initial history and physical examination should be referred to a specialist for a targeted head and neck examination in the office or under anesthesia. […] Imaging is recommended for all patients with newly-suspected or diagnosed head and neck cancer to help determine the extent of both locoregional and metastatic disease. […] A diagnosis of head and neck cancer is commonly made by either a fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a suspected neck lymph node or a biopsy of the primary lesion.

• #2 Qualitative and Quantitative Diagnosis in Head and Neck Cancer

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8466857/

  The pathologist is also responsible for providing many of the more specific data elements that will guide treatment decisions: examples include evidence of virally driven malignancy, margin status, and the precise depth to which a tumour invades surrounding normal tissue. […] The purpose of this work is to point out the differences between both types of diagnoses and to highlight the importance of each in the management of patients with HNC. […] The final diagnosis of HNC cancer is based on the clinical, radiological, and pathological assessment of the tumour. […] To avoid patient mismanagement and unnecessary complications, it is mandatory to establish the correct diagnosis before initiating definitive treatment. […] A precise cancer diagnosis provides an accurate assessment of the tumour, including the cell type and stage, and helps physicians determine the most appropriate plan for treatment. […] The pathological diagnosis is the definitive diagnosis and should guide the proposed treatment.

• #2 Head and neck cancers – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-and-neck-cancers/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20558359

  Head and neck cancer diagnosis often begins with an exam of the head and neck area. Other tests might include imaging tests and a procedure to remove some cells for testing. The tests used for diagnosis may depend on the cancer’s location. […] A healthcare professional may look at your head and neck area for sores or other issues. The health professional might feel your neck for lumps or swelling. To see inside your mouth, the health professional might use a light and a mirror. To see inside the throat, sometimes a tiny camera is put down the throat. The camera transmits images that let the health professional look for signs of cancer. To see inside the nose, a tiny camera can go through the nostrils. […] Imaging tests make pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures can show the size and location of the cancer. Imaging tests used for head and neck cancer include CT, MRI and positron emission tomography scans, also called PET scans.

• #3 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

  https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/head-neck/diagnosis

  Before you begin treatment, your care team will need to diagnose which type of head and neck cancer you have. This is a key first step in developing the best treatment plan for you. […] At Memorial Sloan Kettering, sophisticated pathology and imaging tests provide our care teams with a lot of information. The radiologists and pathologists who perform these tests focus on head and neck cancer. This training gives our team the expertise to ensure that you get the right diagnosis. […] Your doctor will thoroughly examine the head and neck area, feeling for abnormalities, looking inside the mouth and throat, and using mirrors and lights to examine hard-to-see areas. […] Your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis based on a needle aspiration of the tumor. However, many people need to have a surgical biopsy. During a biopsy, a surgeon removes a small amount of abnormal tissue from the area where the cancer is suspected. A pathologist then examines the sample under a microscope and works with the other members of the care team to make a diagnosis.

• #4 Diagnosing Head & Neck Cancer | NYU Langone Health

  https://nyulangone.org/conditions/head-neck-cancer/diagnosis

  Diagnosing Head Neck Cancer […] To detect oral and oropharyngeal head and neck cancer as early as possible, Perlmutter Cancer Center doctors may encourage screening during annual medical and dental visits. Your dentist or primary care doctor should examine your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums for any open sores or growths. He or she should also examine your head and neck for lumps or swollen lymph nodes. […] If your doctor suspects you may have head and neck cancer, he or she asks about your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. Your doctor may also perform imaging tests to help diagnose the condition. He or she provides customized treatment based on the location of the tumor and how advanced it is. […] Your doctor may perform a laryngoscopy if you have symptoms of laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer, such as a persistent sore throat, a noticeable lump in your throat or neck, or difficulty swallowing.

• #5 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/types/diagnosis-staging/

  Head and neck cancers may be discovered in multiple ways. A doctor or dentist may find the first evidence during a routine exam or oral, head and neck screening. For example, a swollen lymph node in the neck or an unexplainable red or white patch in the mouth may be seen. Most often, however, head and neck cancers are discovered only after a patient has sought treatment for symptoms that have become problematic. […] Your doctor will examine your mouth, head, and neck for lumps, bumps, changes to your mouth or throat, or any problems with the nerves in and around these areas. If he or she feels you need further evaluation, you will likely be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist (also called an otolaryngologist) or head and neck surgeon. […] The ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) will perform a thorough head and neck exam. Because some parts of your throat are difficult to see, he or she may perform a pharyngoscopy. This procedure can be done in the office and does not require anesthesia.

• #6 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/diagnosis-staging/

  Head and neck cancers may be discovered in multiple ways. A doctor or dentist may find the first evidence during a routine exam or oral, head and neck screening. For example, a swollen lymph node in the neck or an unexplainable red or white patch in the mouth may be seen. Most often, however, head and neck cancers are discovered only after a patient has sought treatment for symptoms that have become problematic. […] Your doctor will examine your mouth, head, and neck for lumps, bumps, changes to your mouth or throat, or any problems with the nerves in and around these areas. If he or she feels you need further evaluation, you will likely be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist (also called an otolaryngologist) or head and neck surgeon. The ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) will perform a thorough head and neck exam.

• #7 Diagnosing Head & Neck Cancer | NYU Langone Health

  https://nyulangone.org/conditions/head-neck-cancer/diagnosis

  Diagnosing Head Neck Cancer […] To detect oral and oropharyngeal head and neck cancer as early as possible, Perlmutter Cancer Center doctors may encourage screening during annual medical and dental visits. Your dentist or primary care doctor should examine your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums for any open sores or growths. He or she should also examine your head and neck for lumps or swollen lymph nodes. […] If your doctor suspects you may have head and neck cancer, he or she asks about your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. Your doctor may also perform imaging tests to help diagnose the condition. He or she provides customized treatment based on the location of the tumor and how advanced it is. […] Your doctor may perform a laryngoscopy if you have symptoms of laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer, such as a persistent sore throat, a noticeable lump in your throat or neck, or difficulty swallowing.

• #8 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Head and Neck Cancer Program | Dartmouth Cancer Center

  https://cancer.dartmouth.edu/head-neck/diagnosis

  An MRI test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to capture detailed images of the head and neck region. […] A PET scan is an imaging test that uses a special radioactive dye (called a tracer) injected into a vein to reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning on a cellular level. […] Ultrasounds use sound waves to take images of organs and soft tissues. This is a non-invasive method of evaluation and diagnosis. […] During flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, called an endoscope, is passed through the nose and into the back of the throat, allowing the doctor to view the nasal cavity, throat, and voice box (larynx). A direct laryngoscopy is performed in the operating room. During this procedure, the surgeon places a special scope into the mouth and throat (called a laryngoscope) and is able to take samples (biopsies) from the mouth, throat, and voice box. This is often and important staging procedure to determine the extent of your cancer and aids in determining the best treatment approach.

• #9 Diagnosing Head & Neck Cancer | NYU Langone Health

  https://nyulangone.org/conditions/head-neck-cancer/diagnosis

  If you have symptoms of sinonasal cancer, such as nosebleeds or nasal congestion, your doctor may perform a nasal endoscopy. […] If your doctor finds a suspicious growth during a nasal endoscopy or a laryngoscopy, he or she may perform a biopsy. During a biopsy, the doctor removes a small piece of tissue from the tumor, which is examined for signs of cancer under a microscope. […] At Perlmutter Cancer Center, pathologists also examine tumor tissue in the throat to determine whether it contains human papillomavirus, or HPV. People who have throat cancer that tests positive for HPV often respond to radiation therapy better than those whose cancer does not contain HPV. […] Because an enlarged lymph node is often one of the first signs of head and neck cancer, your doctor may perform a fine needle aspiration. During this procedure, a doctor uses a small needle to withdraw fluid and cells from the node for examination under a microscope for signs of cancer.

• #10 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/diagnosis-staging/

  If further investigation is required, your ENT will perform additional tests which may include: […] In a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed from the suspected tumor. The tissue is then examined for the presence of cancer or dysplasia (precancerous changes). Biopsies are examined in a lab by a pathologist who is specialized in cancer diagnosis. […] HPV Testing: Tissues from a biopsy that are shown to be squamous cell carcinoma, especially when taken from the tonsil or the base of the tongue, are often tested for a genomic marker called p16, which is a sign that the cancer may be related to an HPV infection. […] Your doctor may order imaging tests at different times during your diagnosis and treatment to look for a suspect tumor, to see if cancer has spread, to see if treatment is working, or to look for recurrence of cancer after treatment.

• #11 Head and neck cancer tests | Macmillan Cancer Support

  https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnostic-tests/tests-for-head-and-neck-cancer

  An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end. Images from the camera are shown on a screen. Different types of endoscopy may be used to look at the mouth, nose and throat. […] Your doctor may suggest you have a general anaesthetic so they can look at an area more closely using a larger endoscope. This test is sometimes called a panendoscopy. […] During the examination, the doctor can take biopsy samples from any abnormal looking areas. […] You may have a biopsy on its own. There are different ways of taking a biopsy from the head and neck area. You can usually have these in an outpatient clinic. […] If the biopsy is taken from inside your mouth or throat, it will take a few days for the tissue to heal.

• #12 Head and Neck Cancers – Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

  https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/head-neck-cancer

  Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam to evaluate your condition. To confirm a diagnosis of cancer and determine if it has spread, you may undergo endoscopy, head MRI, CT of the sinuses, head CT, panoramic dental x-ray, dental cone beam CT, PET/CT or chest imaging. […] Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, risk factors and symptoms and perform a physical exam. […] Your doctor may order one or more of the following imaging tests to help determine if you have a cancer and whether it has spread: […] If these tests do not clearly show that an abnormality is benign, a biopsy may be necessary. A biopsy is the removal of tissue in order to examine it for disease. […] Biopsies can be safely performed with image guidance such as ultrasound, x-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• #13 Head and neck cancers – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-and-neck-cancers/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20558359

  A biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of tissue for testing in a lab. How the cells are collected depends on the cancer’s location. If the cancer is easy to access, a healthcare professional might cut out some of the tissue with a cutting tool. Sometimes a needle can go through the skin and into the cancer to draw out some cells. Special tools can collect cells from inside the throat or inside the nose. […] The tissue sample collected during a biopsy goes to a lab for testing. Tests can show if the cells are cancerous. Other special tests give more details about the cancer cells. For instance, the cells might be tested for signs of HPV infection. Your healthcare team uses this information to make a treatment plan.

• #14 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Sarah Cannon

  https://sarahcannon.com/for-patients/learn-about-cancer/head-and-neck-cancer/diagnosis.dot

  Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: During a PET scan, a small amount of a radioactive sugar substance is injected into the body. Cells that use the most energy, such as cancer cells, absorb more of this substance than other cells. Then, a scanner creates images of your organs and tissues. Sometimes PET and CT scans are done together. […] […] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses magnetic fields instead of X-rays to create images of the inside of the body, such as the neck, head, chest and lymph nodes. An MRI can also help your doctor measure the size of the tumor. […] […] Biopsy: During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area of the body. This tissue is examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. A biopsy is the only way to make an official cancer diagnosis. […]

• #15 Head and neck cancer tests | Macmillan Cancer Support

  https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnostic-tests/tests-for-head-and-neck-cancer

  If you have an abnormal-looking area that can be seen and is easy to reach, you usually have a biopsy first. A biopsy is when your doctor removes a small piece of tissue or some cells from the area. […] A doctor (called a pathologist) looks at the sample under the microscope. They check for any cancer cells. […] There are different ways of taking a biopsy from the head and neck area. You may have a biopsy taken during some of the following tests or on its own. […] If you have a swelling or lump in your neck you usually have an ultrasound scan. It uses sound waves to produce a picture of your neck and lymph nodes on a screen. […] The person doing the scan looks for any changes in the size or appearance of the lymph nodes in your neck. During the scan, they may use a fine needle to remove some cells from the lump into the syringe. This is called a fine needle aspiration biopsy.

• #16 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

  https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/head-neck/diagnosis

  As part of making a diagnosis, a radiologist takes special X-rays of your throat. These may include CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, or a Panorex. […] At Memorial Sloan Kettering, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is routine for many people with throat cancer. We use a variety of different testing options to help us classify a tumor. […] Our doctors are experts at evaluating thyroid nodules to determine whether you have thyroid cancer. If so, they can determine the cancers risk level. […] Genomic testing is also called tumor sequencing or molecular profiling. It involves looking at the cells taken from a tumor to see if there are any genetic mutations that could be linked to the type of cancer you have.

• #17 Content – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center

  https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=34&contentid=19725-1

  If your healthcare provider thinks you might have head and neck cancer, certain exams and tests will be needed to be sure. […] Diagnosing head and neck cancer starts with your healthcare provider talking with you about your health history, your symptoms, risk factors, and family history of disease. […] A physical exam will be done. […] You may need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist, called an ENT or otolaryngologist, or a head and neck surgeon. […] A biopsy is the only sure way to know if you have cancer. […] During a biopsy, a tiny piece (called a sample) of tissue is removed from the changed area or tumor. […] Then a pathologist, a specialist who tests tissue samples in a lab, looks at the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells. […] The sample may also be tested for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. […] HPV status is important to know when making treatment decisions. […] Your healthcare provider will contact you about the results of your tests and what they mean.

• #18 Overview of the diagnosis and staging of head and neck cancer – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-diagnosis-and-staging-of-head-and-neck-cancer

  Overview of the diagnosis and staging of head and neck cancer […] This topic will review the initial evaluation, diagnosis, and staging of head and neck cancer. […] The initial evaluation of a patient with a suspected head and neck cancer involves a physical exam, imaging studies, and tissue diagnosis. […] Patients suspected of having head and neck cancer based on the initial history and physical examination should be referred to a specialist for a targeted head and neck examination in the office or under anesthesia. […] Imaging is recommended for all patients with newly-suspected or diagnosed head and neck cancer to help determine the extent of both locoregional and metastatic disease. […] A diagnosis of head and neck cancer is commonly made by either a fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a suspected neck lymph node or a biopsy of the primary lesion.

• #19 Diagnosing Head & Neck Cancer | NYU Langone Health

  https://nyulangone.org/conditions/head-neck-cancer/diagnosis

  After diagnosing a head and neck cancer, doctors may order a CT or MRI scan. In a CT scan, X-rays and a computer are used to create two- or three-dimensional, cross-sectional images of the body. […] An MRI scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images. It can detect whether tumors are growing into the soft tissues of the head and neck. […] If there’s a possibility that the cancer has spread, your doctor may order a PET scan, which creates images of the entire body.

• #20 Head and neck cancers – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-and-neck-cancers/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20558359

  Head and neck cancer diagnosis often begins with an exam of the head and neck area. Other tests might include imaging tests and a procedure to remove some cells for testing. The tests used for diagnosis may depend on the cancer’s location. […] A healthcare professional may look at your head and neck area for sores or other issues. The health professional might feel your neck for lumps or swelling. To see inside your mouth, the health professional might use a light and a mirror. To see inside the throat, sometimes a tiny camera is put down the throat. The camera transmits images that let the health professional look for signs of cancer. To see inside the nose, a tiny camera can go through the nostrils. […] Imaging tests make pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures can show the size and location of the cancer. Imaging tests used for head and neck cancer include CT, MRI and positron emission tomography scans, also called PET scans.

• #21 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment | Knight Cancer Institute | OHSU

  https://www.ohsu.edu/knight-cancer-institute/head-and-neck-cancer-diagnosis-and-treatment

  Dr. Reid gently examining a patient’s thyroid gland by touching the neck area. We offer the latest treatments for head and neck cancer. They include robotic, minimally invasive and expert reconstructive surgeries. […] The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute provides the most advanced diagnostic procedures in the Northwest. This includes the latest imaging technology and sophisticated lab tests. We also aim to provide in-office or same-day results for many tests. […] Diagnostic tests may include: […] Ultrasound exam: Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. The images arent as detailed as an MRI or CT scan. […] CT scan: A computed tomography, or CT, scan is similar to an X-ray but takes a series of images for cross-section and 3D views. CT scans can clearly show tumors and help your care team decide if surgery is a good option.

• #22 Diagnosing Head and Neck Cancer

  https://www.froedtert.com/head-neck-cancers/diagnostics

  Optimal treatment results for patients with head and neck cancers happen when care is based on advanced diagnostic information. […] An important first step after a thorough physical exam is to determine whether a tumor is cancerous or not. It is also vital to learn where it may have originated, as this knowledge impacts treatment recommendations. […] Radiology, or imaging, provides critical detail when diagnosing head, neck and skull base cancers. Imaging is used to help guide treatments, too. […] PET/CT combines the benefits of two powerful imaging approaches in one diagnostic scan. […] The 64-slice multidetector CT allows technicians to take very high quality cross-sectional images very quickly. […] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps physicians see subtle differences in soft tissue, map a tumor and see if it is spreading along nerves. […] Biopsies involve removing a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope by a pathologist, a physician specially trained in identifying diseases. […] In certain cases, we may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

• #23 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment | Knight Cancer Institute | OHSU

  https://www.ohsu.edu/knight-cancer-institute/head-and-neck-cancer-diagnosis-and-treatment

  MRI scan: Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scans use magnets and radio waves to take pictures inside the body. An MRI produces sharp, detailed images that can help detect cancerous cells in the head and neck. […] PET scan: Positron emission tomography, or PET, scans require an injection of radioactive sugar. Cancer cells consume sugar faster than normal cells. A PET scan shows areas where the sugar is concentrated so doctors can see if cancer is present. […] Barium swallow: Patients with cancer in the mouth or throat are at risk for cancer of the esophagus. Your care team may use this test to check. Patients drink a chalky liquid called barium that coats the walls of the throat and esophagus. This makes the area easier to see as a technician captures a series of X-rays. […] Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A thin needle is used to extract tissue that is then analyzed by a pathologist, a doctor who is an expert in identifying cancers and other diseases. The pathologist uses a microscope to look for cancer cells in the tissue. […] Surgical biopsy: Tissue is removed in surgery to check for cancer. […] Molecular testing: OHSU is a leader in next-generation sequencing to match cancers to targeted treatments. After a biopsy, we do detailed tests of the tumor to look for medications that can fight cancer at the molecular level.

• #24 Diagnosing Head and Neck Cancer

  https://www.froedtert.com/head-neck-cancers/diagnostics

  Optimal treatment results for patients with head and neck cancers happen when care is based on advanced diagnostic information. […] An important first step after a thorough physical exam is to determine whether a tumor is cancerous or not. It is also vital to learn where it may have originated, as this knowledge impacts treatment recommendations. […] Radiology, or imaging, provides critical detail when diagnosing head, neck and skull base cancers. Imaging is used to help guide treatments, too. […] PET/CT combines the benefits of two powerful imaging approaches in one diagnostic scan. […] The 64-slice multidetector CT allows technicians to take very high quality cross-sectional images very quickly. […] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps physicians see subtle differences in soft tissue, map a tumor and see if it is spreading along nerves. […] Biopsies involve removing a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope by a pathologist, a physician specially trained in identifying diseases. […] In certain cases, we may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

• #25 Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Cancer Care Centers of Brevard

  https://www.cancercarebrevard.com/head-neck-cancer/diagnosis

  MRI scan: MRIs use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays to take detailed pictures. […] Barium swallow: For this test, x-rays are taken while you swallow a liquid with barium in it. […] Chest x-rays: X-rays may be done to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs. […] PET scan: In this test, you are given a special type of sugar that can be seen inside your body with a special camera. […] Blood tests: Certain blood tests can provide important information for the doctor. […] If the diagnosis is cancer, your doctor will then go on to learn the extent (stage) of the disease.

• #26 Diagnosis of oral cancer | Canadian Cancer Society

  https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/oral/diagnosis

  An MRI is used to provide information about the size, shape and location of a tumour. It is often used after a CT scan to get additional information. It can be used to assess the soft tissues of the head and neck. It can also be used to measure how deep a tumour has grown into a structure in the mouth or see if the tumour is spreading along a nerve. MRI can be used to see if cancer might have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. […] A PET scan is used to see if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. It may be combined with a CT scan (called a PET-CT scan).

• #27 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Sarah Cannon

  https://sarahcannon.com/for-patients/learn-about-cancer/head-and-neck-cancer/diagnosis.dot

  Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: During a PET scan, a small amount of a radioactive sugar substance is injected into the body. Cells that use the most energy, such as cancer cells, absorb more of this substance than other cells. Then, a scanner creates images of your organs and tissues. Sometimes PET and CT scans are done together. […] […] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses magnetic fields instead of X-rays to create images of the inside of the body, such as the neck, head, chest and lymph nodes. An MRI can also help your doctor measure the size of the tumor. […] […] Biopsy: During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area of the body. This tissue is examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. A biopsy is the only way to make an official cancer diagnosis. […]

• #28 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment | Knight Cancer Institute | OHSU

  https://www.ohsu.edu/knight-cancer-institute/head-and-neck-cancer-diagnosis-and-treatment

  MRI scan: Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, scans use magnets and radio waves to take pictures inside the body. An MRI produces sharp, detailed images that can help detect cancerous cells in the head and neck. […] PET scan: Positron emission tomography, or PET, scans require an injection of radioactive sugar. Cancer cells consume sugar faster than normal cells. A PET scan shows areas where the sugar is concentrated so doctors can see if cancer is present. […] Barium swallow: Patients with cancer in the mouth or throat are at risk for cancer of the esophagus. Your care team may use this test to check. Patients drink a chalky liquid called barium that coats the walls of the throat and esophagus. This makes the area easier to see as a technician captures a series of X-rays. […] Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A thin needle is used to extract tissue that is then analyzed by a pathologist, a doctor who is an expert in identifying cancers and other diseases. The pathologist uses a microscope to look for cancer cells in the tissue. […] Surgical biopsy: Tissue is removed in surgery to check for cancer. […] Molecular testing: OHSU is a leader in next-generation sequencing to match cancers to targeted treatments. After a biopsy, we do detailed tests of the tumor to look for medications that can fight cancer at the molecular level.

• #29 Diagnosing Head and Neck Cancer

  https://www.froedtert.com/head-neck-cancers/diagnostics

  Optimal treatment results for patients with head and neck cancers happen when care is based on advanced diagnostic information. […] An important first step after a thorough physical exam is to determine whether a tumor is cancerous or not. It is also vital to learn where it may have originated, as this knowledge impacts treatment recommendations. […] Radiology, or imaging, provides critical detail when diagnosing head, neck and skull base cancers. Imaging is used to help guide treatments, too. […] PET/CT combines the benefits of two powerful imaging approaches in one diagnostic scan. […] The 64-slice multidetector CT allows technicians to take very high quality cross-sectional images very quickly. […] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps physicians see subtle differences in soft tissue, map a tumor and see if it is spreading along nerves. […] Biopsies involve removing a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope by a pathologist, a physician specially trained in identifying diseases. […] In certain cases, we may perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

• #30 Head and neck cancer tests | Macmillan Cancer Support

  https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnostic-tests/tests-for-head-and-neck-cancer

  If you have an abnormal-looking area that can be seen and is easy to reach, you usually have a biopsy first. A biopsy is when your doctor removes a small piece of tissue or some cells from the area. […] A doctor (called a pathologist) looks at the sample under the microscope. They check for any cancer cells. […] There are different ways of taking a biopsy from the head and neck area. You may have a biopsy taken during some of the following tests or on its own. […] If you have a swelling or lump in your neck you usually have an ultrasound scan. It uses sound waves to produce a picture of your neck and lymph nodes on a screen. […] The person doing the scan looks for any changes in the size or appearance of the lymph nodes in your neck. During the scan, they may use a fine needle to remove some cells from the lump into the syringe. This is called a fine needle aspiration biopsy.

• #31 Head and Neck Cancer: Diagnosis, Screening and Stages |Banner

  https://www.bannerhealth.com/services/cancer/cancer-type/head-and-neck-cancer/tests-and-diagnosis

  Biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue for lab testing to see if its cancerous). […] Fine needle aspiration, which takes fluid from a lymph node to see if there are signs of cancer. […] Molecular (genetic) testing of the tumor. […] Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT and PET scans and MRIs to spot tumors and see how big they are. […] Panoramic radiograph (Panorex), a rotating X-ray of the upper and lower jawbones. […] Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of parts inside the body. […] Bone scan, to check if cancer has spread to the bones. […] The stage of the cancer helps your providers make treatment decisions. […] For early-stage cancers, surgery may be effective. […] More advanced cancers might need a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other treatments.

• #32 Diagnosis – Head & Neck – Cancers We Treat – Wilmot Cancer Institute – University of Rochester Medical Center

  https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cancer-institute/cancers/head-neck/diagnosis

  Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing cells or tissue for further examination by a pathologist. Wilmot Cancer Institute offers ultrasound-guided biopsies and fine-needle aspiration biopsies, which use very thin needles. […] Pathology: At Wilmot, a pathologist who specializes in identifying head and neck cancers will examine the tissue from a biopsy under a microscope to determine whether cancer is present. Through additional testing, the pathologist can also determine specific features of the cancer, such as whether it is caused by HPV.

• #33 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/types/diagnosis-staging/

  If further investigation is required, your ENT will perform additional tests which may include: […] In a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed from the suspected tumor. The tissue is then examined for the presence of cancer or dysplasia (precancerous changes). Biopsies are examined in a lab by a pathologist who is specialized in cancer diagnosis. […] HPV Testing: Tissues from a biopsy that are shown to be squamous cell carcinoma, especially when taken from the tonsil or the base of the tongue, are often tested for a genomic marker called p16, which is a sign that the cancer may be related to an HPV infection. […] Your doctor may order imaging tests at different times during your diagnosis and treatment to look for a suspect tumor, to see if cancer has spread, to see if treatment is working, or to look for recurrence of cancer after treatment.

• #34 Head and Neck Cancer: Diagnosis, Screening and Stages |Banner

  https://www.bannerhealth.com/services/cancer/cancer-type/head-and-neck-cancer/tests-and-diagnosis

  Doctors use screening tests, such as mammograms for breast cancer, to look for some types of cancer before symptoms start. […] Unfortunately, there currently arent screening tests for head and neck cancers, but your providers can look for signs during your yearly physical and dental exams. […] To diagnose head and neck cancer, your health care provider will start by asking you about any symptoms. […] They may also recommend: […] Physical exam of your head and neck, feeling for lumps and looking inside your mouth, throat and nose. […] Blood and urine testing to look for the Epstein-Barr virus, assess your overall health and spot any possible problems. […] Endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is put into your mouth or nose to see inside your throat, nose or larynx (voice box).

• #35 Head and Neck Cancer: Diagnosis

  https://johnshopkinshealthcare.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Library/DiseasesConditions/Adult/Bone/34,19725-1

  Blood tests […] Your healthcare provider will do tests to check your blood counts and see how well your liver and kidneys are working. Tests are also done to look at levels of substances like calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These blood tests help give an idea of your overall health. […] Getting your test results […] Your healthcare provider will contact you about the results of your tests and what they mean. You’ll be told about other tests you may need if head and neck cancer is found. Make sure you understand the results and what your next steps should be.

• #36 Primary Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Miami Cancer Institute

  https://baptisthealth.net/services/cancer-care/miami-cancer-institute/our-approach/adult-cancers/head-and-neck-cancers/unknown-primary-head-and-neck-cancer/symptoms-and-diagnosis

  Imaging studies that may include X-rays, ultrasound, CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or PET (Photo Emission Tomography) […] Endoscopy which enables the specialists to view organs and tissues inside the body using a thin, lighted tube […] Viral testing for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• #37 Qualitative and Quantitative Diagnosis in Head and Neck Cancer

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/11/9/1526

  The diagnosis is the art of determining the nature of a disease, and an accurate diagnosis is the true cornerstone on which rational treatment should be built. […] Within the workflow in the management of head and neck tumours, there are different types of diagnosis. […] The purpose of this work is to point out the differences and the aims of the different types of diagnoses and to highlight their importance in the management of patients with head and neck tumours. […] Qualitative diagnosis is performed by a pathologist and is essential in determining the management and can provide guidance on prognosis. […] The evolution of immunohistochemistry and molecular biology techniques has made it possible to obtain more precise diagnoses and to identify prognostic markers and precision factors.

• #38 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

  https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/head-neck/diagnosis

  As part of making a diagnosis, a radiologist takes special X-rays of your throat. These may include CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, or a Panorex. […] At Memorial Sloan Kettering, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is routine for many people with throat cancer. We use a variety of different testing options to help us classify a tumor. […] Our doctors are experts at evaluating thyroid nodules to determine whether you have thyroid cancer. If so, they can determine the cancers risk level. […] Genomic testing is also called tumor sequencing or molecular profiling. It involves looking at the cells taken from a tumor to see if there are any genetic mutations that could be linked to the type of cancer you have.

• #39 Qualitative and Quantitative Diagnosis in Head and Neck Cancer

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8466857/

  The pathologist is also responsible for providing many of the more specific data elements that will guide treatment decisions: examples include evidence of virally driven malignancy, margin status, and the precise depth to which a tumour invades surrounding normal tissue. […] The purpose of this work is to point out the differences between both types of diagnoses and to highlight the importance of each in the management of patients with HNC. […] The final diagnosis of HNC cancer is based on the clinical, radiological, and pathological assessment of the tumour. […] To avoid patient mismanagement and unnecessary complications, it is mandatory to establish the correct diagnosis before initiating definitive treatment. […] A precise cancer diagnosis provides an accurate assessment of the tumour, including the cell type and stage, and helps physicians determine the most appropriate plan for treatment. […] The pathological diagnosis is the definitive diagnosis and should guide the proposed treatment.

• #40 Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosis | MD Anderson Cancer Center

  https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/head-neck-cancer/head-neck-cancer-diagnosis.html

  One or more of the following tests may be used to diagnose head and neck cancer: […] Doctors will examine the area where cancer is suspected. […] During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells. […] Imaging exams allow doctors to look inside the body without surgery. Several types of imaging exams can be used to diagnose and monitor head and neck cancer, including: […] Blood and urine tests can check the patients hormone levels, which can be impacted by head and neck tumors like thyroid cancer and parathyroid disease. […] Different cancers have different features on the molecular level. Molecular testing identifies the features that impact treatment, helping doctors create the most effective treatment plan. […] Some cancers are caused by genetic conditions that can be passed down from parent to child. Genetic testing identifies patients with these conditions.

• #41 Advanced Cancer Diagnostics – Head & Neck Cancer | UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

  https://www.uclahealth.org/cancer/cancer-services/head-neck-cancer/preserving-you/advanced-cancer-diagnostics

  Our specialized head and neck pathologists review tissue samples obtained from biopsy or surgery. […] We perform special tests to see if the tumors express special biomarkers such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and p16. […] We also consider the proliferation index, which is a measure of how many times cancerous cells have divided. […] Our goal is for all cancer patients at the HNCP to have their tumors analyzed to determine their unique fingerprint, a specific combination of genetic changes. This progress will change the way we study new drugs and use old ones. […] Instead of trying medications on all head and neck cancer patients, we can use those that target the specific genetic change associated with their cancer. This precision will ensure that the best treatments get to the right patients.

• #42

• #43 Head and Neck Cancer: Diagnosis, Screening and Stages |Banner

  https://www.bannerhealth.com/services/cancer/cancer-type/head-and-neck-cancer/tests-and-diagnosis

  Biopsy (removing a small amount of tissue for lab testing to see if its cancerous). […] Fine needle aspiration, which takes fluid from a lymph node to see if there are signs of cancer. […] Molecular (genetic) testing of the tumor. […] Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT and PET scans and MRIs to spot tumors and see how big they are. […] Panoramic radiograph (Panorex), a rotating X-ray of the upper and lower jawbones. […] Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of parts inside the body. […] Bone scan, to check if cancer has spread to the bones. […] The stage of the cancer helps your providers make treatment decisions. […] For early-stage cancers, surgery may be effective. […] More advanced cancers might need a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other treatments.

• #44 Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Cancer Care Centers of Brevard

  https://www.cancercarebrevard.com/head-neck-cancer/diagnosis

  How are head and neck cancers diagnosed? […] To find the cause of the signs or symptoms of a problem in the head and neck area, an oncologist doctor evaluates a persons medical history, performs a physical examination, and orders diagnostic tests. […] The doctor will ask questions about your health and conduct a physical exam. If signs are pointing to head or neck cancer, more tests will be done. […] Some of the tests you may need include: […] Complete head and neck exam: The doctor will check the head and neck area, looking and feeling for any abnormal areas. […] Panendoscopy: This is a complete exam done in the operating room after you are given drugs to make you sleep. […] Biopsy: For this test, the doctor takes out a small piece of tissue where the cancer seems to be. […] CT scan: This is also called a CAT scan.

• #45 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/types/diagnosis-staging/

  During the process of diagnosing your cancer, the cancer will be staged. Cancer staging is a way of describing the cancer. Diagnosis and staging tell us several things including where in the body the cancer is located, the severity of the cancer (for example, by indicating the size of the primary tumor), and how far the cancer may have spread from its original location. […] Cancer may be staged at multiple points during the processes of diagnosis and treatment. […] Clinical Staging This method of staging uses physical examinations, imaging (x-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc.), and biopsies to determine the severity and extent of your cancer. […] The T, N and M classifications are then combined to determine a stage of 0, I, II, III, or IV. While stage 0 and I cancers are the least advanced and often easiest to treat, it is important to note that higher stage cancers can often be successfully treated as well. […] As of January 1, 2018, a new staging methodology was put into place by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), and the way head and neck cancers are now staged has changed significantly.

• #46 Overview of the diagnosis and staging of head and neck cancer – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-diagnosis-and-staging-of-head-and-neck-cancer

  Establishing a diagnosis with biopsy […] The eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the Union for International Cancer Control Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) staging system is used to classify cancers of the head and neck. […] Evaluation of the neck nodes is an essential part of staging patients with head and neck cancer.

• #47 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/types/diagnosis-staging/

  During the process of diagnosing your cancer, the cancer will be staged. Cancer staging is a way of describing the cancer. Diagnosis and staging tell us several things including where in the body the cancer is located, the severity of the cancer (for example, by indicating the size of the primary tumor), and how far the cancer may have spread from its original location. […] Cancer may be staged at multiple points during the processes of diagnosis and treatment. […] Clinical Staging This method of staging uses physical examinations, imaging (x-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc.), and biopsies to determine the severity and extent of your cancer. […] The T, N and M classifications are then combined to determine a stage of 0, I, II, III, or IV. While stage 0 and I cancers are the least advanced and often easiest to treat, it is important to note that higher stage cancers can often be successfully treated as well. […] As of January 1, 2018, a new staging methodology was put into place by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), and the way head and neck cancers are now staged has changed significantly.

• #48 FAQ | Head and Neck Cancer | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MI

  https://www.henryford.com/services/head-neck-cancers/faq

  What type of screening is used for head and neck cancer? The first step for an oral cancer screening or diagnosis is a physical exam. Discuss any symptoms with your doctor and have a general health screening once a year. Many symptoms are caused by non-cancerous problems. Complete evaluations may be done by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. […] How is oral, throat, or tongue cancer diagnosed? Doctors and dentists diagnose oral, throat, or tongue cancer by looking for mouth sores and white patches, and then removing tissue to be studied by a pathologist. Throat cancer is diagnosed with the help of an endoscope equipped with a tiny camera. Throat tissue samples are taken and studied. […] How is the stage of head and neck cancer determined? The stage of head and neck cancer may be determined by blood tests, tissue samples, x-rays, scans, barium swallow, or examination under anesthesia (endoscopy). Then doctors use the TNM staging system: T: Tumor size and location, N: Number of lymph nodes affected, M: Metastases (spread) of the cancerous tissue.

• #49 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/diagnosis-staging/

  Cancer staging is a way of describing the cancer. Diagnosis and staging tell us several things including where in the body the cancer is located, the severity of the cancer (for example, by indicating the size of the primary tumor), and how far the cancer may have spread from its original location. […] Cancer may be staged at multiple points during the processes of diagnosis and treatment. Your medical team may use one or more of the following types of staging: […] This method of staging uses physical examinations, imaging (x-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc.), and biopsies to determine the severity and extent of your cancer. […] The T, N and M classifications are then combined to determine a stage of 0, I, II, III, or IV. While stage 0 and I cancers are the least advanced and often easiest to treat, it is important to note that higher stage cancers can often be successfully treated as well. […] As of January 1, 2018, a new staging methodology was put into place by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), and the way head and neck cancers are now staged has changed significantly.

• #50 Head and neck cancer explained: an overview of management pathways

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650163/

  If the situation is not typical, it is imperative that the possibility of a malignant process is considered and, if necessary, a specialist referral should be made. […] Once a referral has been received by the specialist cancer services, a clinician will assess the merits of the case. […] When seen in the specialist outpatient clinic, a thorough history and examination will be repeated. […] Once a HNC is identified, discussion at the MDT meeting ensues. […] Staging of tumours helps to predict prognosis as well as treatment in populations and is based on the TNM system, developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the International Union Against Cancer and includes three parts: T (tumour); N (lymph nodes); and M (distant metastases), followed by a number with increasing value denoting later stage of disease presentation.

• #51 Throat cancer – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/throat-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366496

  Once throat cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine the extent (stage) of the cancer. Knowing the stage helps determine your treatment options. […] The stage of throat cancer is characterized with the Roman numerals I through IV. Each subtype of throat cancer has its own criteria for each stage. In general, stage I throat cancer indicates a smaller tumor confined to one area of the throat. Later stages indicate more advanced cancer, with stage IV being the most advanced.

• #52 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/types/diagnosis-staging/

  During the process of diagnosing your cancer, the cancer will be staged. Cancer staging is a way of describing the cancer. Diagnosis and staging tell us several things including where in the body the cancer is located, the severity of the cancer (for example, by indicating the size of the primary tumor), and how far the cancer may have spread from its original location. […] Cancer may be staged at multiple points during the processes of diagnosis and treatment. […] Clinical Staging This method of staging uses physical examinations, imaging (x-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc.), and biopsies to determine the severity and extent of your cancer. […] The T, N and M classifications are then combined to determine a stage of 0, I, II, III, or IV. While stage 0 and I cancers are the least advanced and often easiest to treat, it is important to note that higher stage cancers can often be successfully treated as well. […] As of January 1, 2018, a new staging methodology was put into place by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), and the way head and neck cancers are now staged has changed significantly.

• #53 Head and neck cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support

  https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/head-and-neck-cancer

  If tests show you have a head and neck cancer, your specialist will arrange further tests. These can help find out more about the size and position of the cancer and whether it has spread. This is called staging. […] If you have oropharyngeal cancer, tests are done on the cancer cells to check if it is linked to the human papilloma virus (HPV). The results help your doctor plan the most effective treatments for you. HPV-related head and neck cancers usually have a good outlook. […] Staging is slightly different for each type of head and neck cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer that are HPV-positive have a separate staging system. […] Knowing the stage and grade of head and neck cancer helps you and your doctors decide on the best treatment for you. […] Because head and neck cancer is not common, you are usually treated in a specialist head and neck unit. A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

• #54 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/diagnosis-staging/

  Cancer staging is a way of describing the cancer. Diagnosis and staging tell us several things including where in the body the cancer is located, the severity of the cancer (for example, by indicating the size of the primary tumor), and how far the cancer may have spread from its original location. […] Cancer may be staged at multiple points during the processes of diagnosis and treatment. Your medical team may use one or more of the following types of staging: […] This method of staging uses physical examinations, imaging (x-rays, CT scans, MRI, etc.), and biopsies to determine the severity and extent of your cancer. […] The T, N and M classifications are then combined to determine a stage of 0, I, II, III, or IV. While stage 0 and I cancers are the least advanced and often easiest to treat, it is important to note that higher stage cancers can often be successfully treated as well. […] As of January 1, 2018, a new staging methodology was put into place by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), and the way head and neck cancers are now staged has changed significantly.

• #55 Head and neck cancer explained: an overview of management pathways

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650163/

  If the situation is not typical, it is imperative that the possibility of a malignant process is considered and, if necessary, a specialist referral should be made. […] Once a referral has been received by the specialist cancer services, a clinician will assess the merits of the case. […] When seen in the specialist outpatient clinic, a thorough history and examination will be repeated. […] Once a HNC is identified, discussion at the MDT meeting ensues. […] Staging of tumours helps to predict prognosis as well as treatment in populations and is based on the TNM system, developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the International Union Against Cancer and includes three parts: T (tumour); N (lymph nodes); and M (distant metastases), followed by a number with increasing value denoting later stage of disease presentation.

• #56 Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Staging | Head and Neck Cancer | UT Southwestern Medical Center

  http://devtest.utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/head-and-neck-cancer/head-and-neck-cancer-diagnosis/

  A thorough, accurate diagnosis of head and neck cancer is the first step in developing a personalized treatment plan. […] At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our head and neck cancer experts bring together years of experience to give patients the most exact diagnosis possible and determine whether the cancer has spread. […] To diagnose head and neck cancer, we first ask for a patients medical history and then perform a physical examination and discuss symptoms. […] Next, we usually perform imaging tests. […] Once we have a head and neck cancer diagnosis, we determine the stage (extent) of the cancer. […] The stage tells us how advanced the cancer is, which is critical in helping us determine the best course of treatment. […] The Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) staging system is most widely used for head and neck cancers. […] Recently we have adjusted our staging systems according to advances in understanding of head and neck cancer.

• #57 Head and neck cancer explained: an overview of management pathways

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650163/

  If the situation is not typical, it is imperative that the possibility of a malignant process is considered and, if necessary, a specialist referral should be made. […] Once a referral has been received by the specialist cancer services, a clinician will assess the merits of the case. […] When seen in the specialist outpatient clinic, a thorough history and examination will be repeated. […] Once a HNC is identified, discussion at the MDT meeting ensues. […] Staging of tumours helps to predict prognosis as well as treatment in populations and is based on the TNM system, developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the International Union Against Cancer and includes three parts: T (tumour); N (lymph nodes); and M (distant metastases), followed by a number with increasing value denoting later stage of disease presentation.

• #58 Head and neck cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support

  https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/head-and-neck-cancer

  If tests show you have a head and neck cancer, your specialist will arrange further tests. These can help find out more about the size and position of the cancer and whether it has spread. This is called staging. […] If you have oropharyngeal cancer, tests are done on the cancer cells to check if it is linked to the human papilloma virus (HPV). The results help your doctor plan the most effective treatments for you. HPV-related head and neck cancers usually have a good outlook. […] Staging is slightly different for each type of head and neck cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer that are HPV-positive have a separate staging system. […] Knowing the stage and grade of head and neck cancer helps you and your doctors decide on the best treatment for you. […] Because head and neck cancer is not common, you are usually treated in a specialist head and neck unit. A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

• #59 Head and neck cancer explained: an overview of management pathways

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650163/

  Prior to the MDT meeting, it is essential that the patient is informed of the cancer diagnosis so that they can fully engage with the decision-making process and the choices they face in relation to management. […] All patients diagnosed with HNC are managed within an MDT framework and work according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance and BAHNO standards. […] Following cancer treatment, the initial post-treatment review assesses the effect of treatment. […] Follow up of patients with HNC is essential to firstly identify the presence of residual or recurrent disease early where, potentially, treatment options may exist but also to assess, manage and improve the early and late onset morbidity associated with the treatment of these cancers. […] HNC is a rare disease and GDPs are at the forefront of assessment for malignancy in the community. Being aware of the signs and symptoms, the red flags associated with these and by maintaining a high index of suspicion, patients with early stage HNC can be treated rapidly with better prognosis.

• #60 Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancers | Boston Medical Center

  https://www.bmc.org/head-and-neck-cancer/diagnosis

  Timely screening and detection can significantly reduce deaths from head and neck cancers, which at early stages have a cure rate as high as 90 percent. […] Diagnosis and treatment vary with the type and location of the cancer. […] Most diagnostic work-ups will include the following steps: […] The results of these consultations and procedures are reviewed in a weekly multidisciplinary Head and Neck Tumor Board meeting. Each patient receives a comprehensive, individualized care plan, designed to meet his or her specific needs. Following this review, the patients BMC physician will discuss the recommendations of the Head and Neck Tumor Board with the patient and his or her family, and together they will develop a treatment plan that meets the patients specific needs.

• #61 Head and Neck Cancer | Diagnosis & Treatment of Head Cancer & Neck Cancer | UH Seidman Cancer Center | University Hospitals | Cleveland, OH | University Hospitals

  https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/cancer-services/head-and-neck-cancer/diagnosis-and-treatments

  UH Seidman Cancer Center is at the forefront in the diagnosis, treatment and research of head and neck cancers. […] A cancer diagnosis can be scary and potentially life-changing. Have confidence in your diagnosis and treatment options by getting a second opinion from a UH physician who specializes in head neck cancer. […] Head and neck cancer treatment at UH Seidman Cancer Center includes a record of innovations and firsts that make a difference in patients lives. […] Our teams are leaders in establishing the comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to treating head and neck cancers. […] UH Seidman Cancer Center remains the only hospital in Northeast Ohio to offer Intraoperative Electron Radiation Therapy (IOERT), which is precise radiation delivered during surgery. […] As this leadership continues today, we proudly offer the following advanced treatment options for head and neck cancer patients:

• #62 Diagnosis & Staging | Head & Neck Cancer Alliance

  https://www.headandneck.org/types/diagnosis-staging/

  Head and neck cancers may be discovered in multiple ways. A doctor or dentist may find the first evidence during a routine exam or oral, head and neck screening. For example, a swollen lymph node in the neck or an unexplainable red or white patch in the mouth may be seen. Most often, however, head and neck cancers are discovered only after a patient has sought treatment for symptoms that have become problematic. […] Your doctor will examine your mouth, head, and neck for lumps, bumps, changes to your mouth or throat, or any problems with the nerves in and around these areas. If he or she feels you need further evaluation, you will likely be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist (also called an otolaryngologist) or head and neck surgeon. […] The ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) will perform a thorough head and neck exam. Because some parts of your throat are difficult to see, he or she may perform a pharyngoscopy. This procedure can be done in the office and does not require anesthesia.

• #63 Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancers | Boston Medical Center

  https://www.bmc.org/head-and-neck-cancer/diagnosis

  Timely screening and detection can significantly reduce deaths from head and neck cancers, which at early stages have a cure rate as high as 90 percent. […] Diagnosis and treatment vary with the type and location of the cancer. […] Most diagnostic work-ups will include the following steps: […] The results of these consultations and procedures are reviewed in a weekly multidisciplinary Head and Neck Tumor Board meeting. Each patient receives a comprehensive, individualized care plan, designed to meet his or her specific needs. Following this review, the patients BMC physician will discuss the recommendations of the Head and Neck Tumor Board with the patient and his or her family, and together they will develop a treatment plan that meets the patients specific needs.

• #64 Head and neck cancer explained: an overview of management pathways

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650163/

  Prior to the MDT meeting, it is essential that the patient is informed of the cancer diagnosis so that they can fully engage with the decision-making process and the choices they face in relation to management. […] All patients diagnosed with HNC are managed within an MDT framework and work according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance and BAHNO standards. […] Following cancer treatment, the initial post-treatment review assesses the effect of treatment. […] Follow up of patients with HNC is essential to firstly identify the presence of residual or recurrent disease early where, potentially, treatment options may exist but also to assess, manage and improve the early and late onset morbidity associated with the treatment of these cancers. […] HNC is a rare disease and GDPs are at the forefront of assessment for malignancy in the community. Being aware of the signs and symptoms, the red flags associated with these and by maintaining a high index of suspicion, patients with early stage HNC can be treated rapidly with better prognosis.

• #65 Head and Neck Cancer Awareness: Diagnosis and Treatment Options – Rocky Mountain Oncology Center

  https://rockymountainoncology.com/news/head-and-neck-cancer-awareness-diagnosis-and-treatment-options/

  Diagnosing and treating head and neck cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. […] The diagnosis of head and neck cancer typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination, including a detailed evaluation of the head and neck region. Additional tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease, including imaging studies (such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans), endoscopy, and biopsy. […] Diagnosing and treating head and neck cancer requires a coordinated effort among healthcare providers and a personalized approach tailored to each patients unique needs. By raising awareness of the importance of early detection and treatment, we can improve outcomes and support individuals affected by head and neck cancer.

• #66 Artificial Intelligence-based methods in head and neck cancer diagnosis: an overview | British Journal of Cancer

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-021-01386-x

  This paper reviews recent literature employing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) methods for diagnostic evaluation of head and neck cancers (HNC) using automated image analysis. […] Conventional diagnosis of HNC is based on histopathological evaluation of tissue sections from biopsies or surgical resections, in addition to clinical and radiological examinations. These methods can be time-consuming and are prone to errors in observation or variations in interpretation, which can result in inconsistencies in cancer grading and prognostication. […] Improvements in HNC prediction accuracy and disease outcomes could greatly assist healthcare professionals in the early detection and planning of patient-specific optimal treatments to reduce the disease burden. […] Recent technological advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms, computer hardware and big medical imaging datasets have enabled computer scientists and healthcare researchers to collaborate closely to improve consistency in cancer risk stratification over the use of multi-factor analysis, conventional logistic regression and Cox analyses.

• #67 Delayed Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancers – Medical Malpractice

  https://www.pamedmal.com/delays-in-diagnosis-of-head-and-neck-cancers/

  Delays in diagnosis of head and neck cancers, including those affecting the mouth, throat, larynx, and thyroid, can increase the risk of treatment complications and reduce both quality and length of life. […] Head and neck cancers are often aggressive and can spread quickly to nearby tissues, making early detection essential for effective treatment. Also, delays in diagnosis allow head and neck cancers to spread to more parts of the head or neck, or into nearby tissues and lymph nodes. Inevitably, patients with more advanced cancer need more invasive and extensive treatments in the form of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. […] Head and neck cancers most prone to delay in diagnosis include oropharyngeal cancer, thyroid cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Early symptoms are often subtle and not specific to cancer. Lack of appropriate diagnostic testing or misinterpretation of diagnostic test results can also contribute to the delayed diagnoses of these cancers.

• #68 Delayed Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancers – Medical Malpractice

  https://www.pamedmal.com/delays-in-diagnosis-of-head-and-neck-cancers/

  Physicians sometimes overlook the need for critical diagnostic tests, including imaging studies (CT scans, MRIs) or biopsies of suspicious masses or an enlarged thyroid gland. A thorough evaluation, particularly for persistent symptoms, is crucial. […] Delayed diagnosis may lead to the need for aggressive treatments like radical surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, which can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. […] The survival rate for head and neck cancers is much higher when caught early. Delayed diagnosis can drastically reduce the likelihood of successful treatment and long-term survival. […] The timely diagnosis of head and neck cancers is critical to achieving the best possible outcomes. Unfortunately, delays caused by misinterpretation of symptoms, failure to perform or follow up on diagnostic tests, and inadequate referrals can lead to serious harm.

• #69 Head & Neck Cancer Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk Factors and Prognosis

  https://hillman.upmc.com/cancer-care/head-neck/symptoms-diagnosis

  Head and neck cancers can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are often like those of other common illnesses. […] UPMC Hillman Cancer Center experts use state-of-the-art technologies to diagnose and treat head and neck cancers. […] If you have head and neck cancer symptoms or are at a higher risk for cancer, your doctor may order tests. […] Your symptoms, type of cancer suspected, age, and medical history can help a doctor choose a diagnostic test. […] Staging helps each member of the care team know the exact type, size, location, and spread of the cancer. […] Your UPMC Hillman head and neck cancer care team will conduct tests to classify the type and stage of your cancer. […] Knowing the stage of your cancer helps them decide on the best treatment plan. […] In a biopsy, doctors remove a small tissue sample for the lab to look at under a microscope for cancer cells. […] These tests can help cancer doctors assess your head and neck health by testing your ability to speak and swallow.

• #70 Artificial Intelligence-based methods in head and neck cancer diagnosis: an overview | British Journal of Cancer

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-021-01386-x

  Much of the recent focus in cancer diagnostics has centred on digital image analysis and processing, which involves extraction of meaningful information from images to enable delineation of features of clinical interest (segmentation) or description of labels (classification). […] Detection of HNC can be achieved using these ML methods by obtaining clinically important information from primary diagnostic imaging modalities, in which high-dimensional, mineable images can be input to train algorithms. […] A recent systematic review highlights emerging evidence to support the role of ML methods for histology images as a potentially useful diagnostic aid for the detection of OSCC and some OPMD, but identifies a lack of evidence for other head and neck precancerous or cancerous lesions. […] Findings demonstrate the greatest proportion of studies to have evaluated the detection of OPMD and cancerous lesions within the oral cavity with histology WSI and radiological imaging being the most frequently used modalities for algorithm training. […] With the continued evolution of AI algorithms and computational power, a plethora of computational methods has been developed for fast and reproducible diagnosis and prognosis of HNC, as exemplified in this paper.

• #71 Artificial Intelligence-based methods in head and neck cancer diagnosis: an overview | British Journal of Cancer

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-021-01386-x

  Much of the recent focus in cancer diagnostics has centred on digital image analysis and processing, which involves extraction of meaningful information from images to enable delineation of features of clinical interest (segmentation) or description of labels (classification). […] Detection of HNC can be achieved using these ML methods by obtaining clinically important information from primary diagnostic imaging modalities, in which high-dimensional, mineable images can be input to train algorithms. […] A recent systematic review highlights emerging evidence to support the role of ML methods for histology images as a potentially useful diagnostic aid for the detection of OSCC and some OPMD, but identifies a lack of evidence for other head and neck precancerous or cancerous lesions. […] Findings demonstrate the greatest proportion of studies to have evaluated the detection of OPMD and cancerous lesions within the oral cavity with histology WSI and radiological imaging being the most frequently used modalities for algorithm training. […] With the continued evolution of AI algorithms and computational power, a plethora of computational methods has been developed for fast and reproducible diagnosis and prognosis of HNC, as exemplified in this paper.

• #72 Point-of-care SERS-based ML diagnosis of head and neck cancer via cerumen analysis | npj Biosensing

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s44328-025-00034-1

  Early detection of head and neck cancer (HNC) is critical for improving prognosis and survival rates. […] Therefore, there is an urgent need for non-invasive, reliable, and rapid diagnostic methods suitable for point-of-care (POC) settings. […] The study aimed to utilize a SERS-based machine learning (ML) approach to distinguish between cerumen samples from healthy individuals and those with HNC. […] By comparing the SERS spectra of healthy donors with those of HNC patients, we identified SERS spectral features associated with the presence of tumors. […] This cerumen-SERS-ML workflow proved effective for the rapid identification and evaluation of HNC, offering a promising tool for disease diagnosis. […] However, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages due to subtle initial symptoms and the complexity of the head and neck anatomy, which complicates clinical examination and biopsy procedures.

• #73 Point-of-care SERS-based ML diagnosis of head and neck cancer via cerumen analysis | npj Biosensing

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s44328-025-00034-1

  Traditional diagnostic methods, such as tissue biopsies and imaging techniques, though effective, are often invasive, expensive, and time-consuming. […] Hence, it is fundamental to develop a non-invasive, cost-effective and reliable approach for HNC diagnosis. […] Emerging research suggests that cerumen can reflect systemic changes associated with various diseases, including cancer. […] The non-invasive nature of cerumen collection, combined with advancements in SERS technologies, offers a promising approach for developing POC diagnostic tools for HNC. […] This cerumen-SERS-ML approach holds significant promise for healthcare, providing a rapid and noninvasive diagnostic tool that can quickly discriminate, classify, and grade diseases. […] This enables earlier treatment, such as before the onset of metastases in tumor cases, offering quicker diagnoses compared to traditional methods like imaging techniques and tissue biopsies.

• #74 New Imaging Method Enhances Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Technology Networks

  https://www.technologynetworks.com/cancer-research/news/machine-learning-provides-comprehensive-head-and-neck-tumor-diagnosis-392631

  Head and neck cancers are among the ten most common cancers worldwide. Head and neck tumors account for about three to five percent of all cancers, with squamous cell carcinomas being the predominant form. […] It enables a more comprehensive assessment of prognosis and therapy response in head and neck cancer and paves the way for a more precise diagnosis. […] The most important outcome of the study was the development of a new imaging method that combines the analysis of biomarkers of cell behavior with morphological analyses of the shape of individual cells and the structure of the entire tumor tissue. […] These results are a breakthrough in our understanding of cancer development and diagnostics. […] Furthermore, our method allowed us to identify patients with a particularly poor prognosis who would benefit from an aggressive treatment strategy.

• #75 New Imaging Method Enhances Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis | Technology Networks

  https://www.technologynetworks.com/cancer-research/news/machine-learning-provides-comprehensive-head-and-neck-tumor-diagnosis-392631

  The new imaging method opens the door to precision diagnostics for cancers of the head and neck. The researchers are currently developing a diagnostic test for more accurate diagnosis of this type of cancer. […] We believe that the technology will significantly improve cancer diagnostics and the accuracy of treatment strategies.

• #76 Point-of-care SERS-based ML diagnosis of head and neck cancer via cerumen analysis | npj Biosensing

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s44328-025-00034-1

  Our findings suggest that this tandem cerumen-SERS-ML approach not only facilitates early detection but also offers a convenient and rapid alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. […] The application of PCA-LDA further enhances diagnostic accuracy (87%) by effectively distinguishing between cancerous and non-cancerous samples. […] This final model was also used to make predictions on the patient level: an individual was assigned to the same treatment group as the majority of spectra predicted. […] Therefore, differences in lipid concentration and structures resulted to have a key role in the HNC diagnosis, together with a reduction in proteins content. […] Our study is first using SERS-based ML diagnostics for HNC in clinical cerumen specimens. […] The cerumen testing procedure could be easily performed by portable devices which can be used for POC analysis, not only as cancer diagnostic mean but also for diagnosis of other diseases or forensic purposes.

• #77 Qualitative and Quantitative Diagnosis in Head and Neck Cancer

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8466857/

  The pathologist is also responsible for providing many of the more specific data elements that will guide treatment decisions: examples include evidence of virally driven malignancy, margin status, and the precise depth to which a tumour invades surrounding normal tissue. […] The purpose of this work is to point out the differences between both types of diagnoses and to highlight the importance of each in the management of patients with HNC. […] The final diagnosis of HNC cancer is based on the clinical, radiological, and pathological assessment of the tumour. […] To avoid patient mismanagement and unnecessary complications, it is mandatory to establish the correct diagnosis before initiating definitive treatment. […] A precise cancer diagnosis provides an accurate assessment of the tumour, including the cell type and stage, and helps physicians determine the most appropriate plan for treatment. […] The pathological diagnosis is the definitive diagnosis and should guide the proposed treatment.

• #78 Head and neck cancer explained: an overview of management pathways

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650163/

  Prior to the MDT meeting, it is essential that the patient is informed of the cancer diagnosis so that they can fully engage with the decision-making process and the choices they face in relation to management. […] All patients diagnosed with HNC are managed within an MDT framework and work according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance and BAHNO standards. […] Following cancer treatment, the initial post-treatment review assesses the effect of treatment. […] Follow up of patients with HNC is essential to firstly identify the presence of residual or recurrent disease early where, potentially, treatment options may exist but also to assess, manage and improve the early and late onset morbidity associated with the treatment of these cancers. […] HNC is a rare disease and GDPs are at the forefront of assessment for malignancy in the community. Being aware of the signs and symptoms, the red flags associated with these and by maintaining a high index of suspicion, patients with early stage HNC can be treated rapidly with better prognosis.

• #79 Artificial Intelligence-based methods in head and neck cancer diagnosis: an overview | British Journal of Cancer

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-021-01386-x

  Much of the recent focus in cancer diagnostics has centred on digital image analysis and processing, which involves extraction of meaningful information from images to enable delineation of features of clinical interest (segmentation) or description of labels (classification). […] Detection of HNC can be achieved using these ML methods by obtaining clinically important information from primary diagnostic imaging modalities, in which high-dimensional, mineable images can be input to train algorithms. […] A recent systematic review highlights emerging evidence to support the role of ML methods for histology images as a potentially useful diagnostic aid for the detection of OSCC and some OPMD, but identifies a lack of evidence for other head and neck precancerous or cancerous lesions. […] Findings demonstrate the greatest proportion of studies to have evaluated the detection of OPMD and cancerous lesions within the oral cavity with histology WSI and radiological imaging being the most frequently used modalities for algorithm training. […] With the continued evolution of AI algorithms and computational power, a plethora of computational methods has been developed for fast and reproducible diagnosis and prognosis of HNC, as exemplified in this paper.

• #80 Point-of-care SERS-based ML diagnosis of head and neck cancer via cerumen analysis | npj Biosensing

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s44328-025-00034-1

  Our findings suggest that this tandem cerumen-SERS-ML approach not only facilitates early detection but also offers a convenient and rapid alternative to traditional diagnostic methods. […] The application of PCA-LDA further enhances diagnostic accuracy (87%) by effectively distinguishing between cancerous and non-cancerous samples. […] This final model was also used to make predictions on the patient level: an individual was assigned to the same treatment group as the majority of spectra predicted. […] Therefore, differences in lipid concentration and structures resulted to have a key role in the HNC diagnosis, together with a reduction in proteins content. […] Our study is first using SERS-based ML diagnostics for HNC in clinical cerumen specimens. […] The cerumen testing procedure could be easily performed by portable devices which can be used for POC analysis, not only as cancer diagnostic mean but also for diagnosis of other diseases or forensic purposes.

• #81 Head and Neck Cancers – NCI

  https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet

  Although there is no standard or routine screening test for head and neck cancers, dentists may check the oral cavity for signs of cancer during a routine checkup. […] Head and neck cancer treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments. […] Patients and their doctors should consider treatment options carefully. […] Regular follow-up care is very important after treatment for head and neck cancer to make sure that the cancer has not returned and that a second primary (new) cancer has not developed. […] People who have been treated for head and neck cancers have an increased chance of developing a new cancer, usually in the head, neck, esophagus, or lungs.

• #82 Diagnosing head and neck cancer

  https://www.thechristhospital.com/services/cancer/your-care-and-treatment/head-and-neck-cancer/diagnosis

  Head and neck cancer is relatively uncommon. It makes up about three percent of all cancers in the U.S. […] It’s important to see your primary care or ENT doctor right away if you have unusual symptoms that could be a sign of head or neck cancer. These include: A lump in your neck, Red or white patches on your gums, Bleeding in your mouth, Painful swallowing, Swelling in your jaw, Chronic sinus infections that don’t go away, even after antibiotic treatment. The sooner you are diagnosed, the more quickly you can start treatment. […] Our cancer specialists use many tools to diagnose head and neck cancer. These tests include: A thorough physical examination your primary care doctor or an ears, nose and throat (ENT) specialist may carefully examine your mouth, neck or head. This often helps them determine which tests to order next. Biopsy a test that takes a sample of abnormal tissue, so your doctor can look at it under a microscope. Endoscopy a test that helps your doctor look inside your head and neck using a tiny camera attached to a thin, flexible tube (endoscope). Depending on what part of the head and neck your doctor needs to see, this test may have other names including laryngoscopy and nasopharyngoscopy. Imaging tests radiology exams such as ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET scans help confirm where the cancer is located and whether it has spread. […] If you are diagnosed with head or neck cancer, your doctor will need to „stage” it. Staging is finding out how much cancer is in your body and where it’s located. This helps doctors plan treatment options and assess your prognosis.

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