Diagnostic tools

Our team of head and neck cancer doctors uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tests and tools to locate and stage the disease, and plan your individualized treatment. Throughout your treatment at City of Hope, we use imaging and laboratory tests to track the size of the tumors, monitor your response to treatment and modify your treatment if needed.

Some of the diagnostic evaluations available to head and neck cancer patients at City of Hope include:

Barium swallow

Also known as an "upper GI series," a barium swallow involves drinking a barium-based drink, which allows cancer cells to be seen with an X-ray. This imaging test may show irregularities in the larynx, pharynx, mouth and surrounding areas, and is often used to detect small, early head and neck tumors.

Biopsy

A biopsy is the only test that can support a definitive head and neck cancer diagnosis. A biopsy helps determine whether the cancer began at the site of the biopsy sample or if it started elsewhere in the body and spread to the site of the biopsy sample.  

CT scan

A CT scan may provide information about the size, shape and position of any tumor, and may help identify enlarged lymph nodes to determine whether they contain cancer cells.

Endoscopy

This procedure allows doctors to examine the head and neck from the inside. An endoscope may be inserted into your mouth or nose so that your doctor can examine hard-to-see areas such as your larynx and behind your nose.

Indirect pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy

Pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy are used to examine the back of your throat to check for any signs of head and neck cancer. During an indirect pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy, the doctor places small mirrors at the back of your mouth to clearly examine your throat, the base of your tongue and part of your larynx.

Pandenoscopy

This procedure is used if your doctor suspects the presence of cancer. In this exam, you are given general anesthesia in a surgical environment so the entire region can be closely inspected for cancer. Endoscopes are used to look at our throat, larynx, esophagus, and possibly, your windpipe (trachea) and bronchi. If a tumor is found, your surgeon will remove a tissue sample for further examination.

MRI

MRI technology uses radiofrequency waves, powerful magnets and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional pictures and is able to distinguish between normal and diseased tissue. 

PET scan

For patients who have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, a PET scan may be used to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, to identify the original site of cancer when it is discovered in the lymph nodes, or to check the entire body for the spread of cancer.