Screening for Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer screenings are generally reserved for people at higher risk. While routine screening for the general population is not widely practiced, individuals with a higher chance of developing these cancers may benefit from regular check-ups with an ENT to look for early signs of cancer, such as unusual lumps or changes in the mouth, throat, or neck. 

Who should be screened for head and neck cancer?

You may wish to be screened for head and neck cancer if you fall into one or more of these groups:

• Tobacco and alcohol users
• Those with a history of human papillomavirus (HPV)
• People with a family history of head and neck cancers or other related cancers
• Those exposed to certain occupational hazards, such as asbestos or industrial chemicals

Diagnosing Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers are often diagnosed when patients report symptoms or abnormalities, such as persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or visible lumps. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical evaluations and diagnostic tests to confirm and stage the cancer. These may include:

• Physical evaluation to detect any unusual lumps, swelling, or abnormalities in the head, neck, and throat.
• Endoscopic procedures, such as laryngoscopy or nasopharyngoscopy, allow direct visualization and enable the doctor to biopsy suspicious lesions.
• Biopsy to remove tissue samples for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancer.
• CT, MRI, or PET scans to visualize tumors and assess their size. These imaging tests are also used to check for cancer spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes—a process called staging, which doctors do to select the most appropriate treatment.