Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis
Anyone experiencing symptoms of head and neck cancer for more than 2 weeks should see their physician as soon as possible for a thorough examination and laboratory tests. If a diagnosis cannot be obtained, your physician will refer you to a specialist.
Establishing a diagnosis for head and neck cancers typically begins with an examination and biopsy of any identified suspected cancerous lesions or tumors. This involves extracting a piece of suspicious tissue and sending it to a laboratory for examination. In some cases the biopsy can be performed in the physician's office, although it is more common for the procedure to be done in an operating room under anesthesia.
