How is Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosed?

It is important that your doctor establishes the diagnosis of your type of Head and Neck Cancer, assesses the size of the cancer and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck or elsewhere in the body.

To answer these questions, your doctor will need to do the following things:

• Talk with you about your medical history. This includes signs you may have noticed, any other health conditions, medications that you are taking, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol.
• Perform a physical examination by feeling and looking inside your throat and neck.
• Order diagnostic tests, which may include scans.

Not everyone will need to have every test. Your doctor will recommend tests that are right for you.