A 21-year-old member asked:
How will a physician make a diagnosis of head and neck cancer?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ron Jonesanswered
Family Medicine 47 years experience
Here is how: Most any condition which is serous will lead to signs and symtos which will trigger an exam of the site in question and will lead to further testing such as mri, ct, etc. And in the case of cancer a tissue sample for biopsy and pathology examination is always required to make any diagnosis of cancer. Neck lymph node swelling which continues to enlarge and does not go away is common. Dr. J.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ritesh Rathoreanswered
Hematology and Oncology 32 years experience
Thoroughly: The issue or area of concern (e.G a visible neck lump, sore throat, or hoarse voice) will be directly examined by your physician (often by a laryngoscope). The next step is biopsies and scans (ct, mri, pet). The final diagnosis is made by reviewing the biospy specimen by pathologists and sometimes running special tests like the hpv test for viral linked cancer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Raja Mudadanswered
Medical Oncology 34 years experience
Biopsy: Typically a biopsy of a lesion if you see one on exam inside the mouth or throat, or a needle biopsy of a lymph node in the neck.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 24, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.