Why Does Head And Neck Cancer in Allentown Need to Be Diagnosed and Treated Quickly?

by | Jun 14, 2017 | Allergies

Most ENT cancers, including Head And Neck Cancer in Allentown, have a poor prognosis, mainly because they are often associated with a late diagnosis. A chronic wound of the mouth, hoarseness, or permanent change of voice should prompt people to visit their local doctor. Because clinical signs are not very specific and appear gradually, it is common for patients to consult in the later stages of a disease. The assessment is initially clinical, with a complete ENT and stomatological examination. In the second stage, the doctor prescribes complementary examinations appropriate to the particular case of the patient.

Except in the case of oral cancers that are visible, the diagnosis of ENT cancers requires the use of imaging equipment. In patients with pharynx or larynx issues, a laryngoscopy or nasofibroscopy is performed. The examination is based on the use of a thin, flexible tube with an optical system which allows the doctor to locate the anomaly. Depending on the location of the Head And Neck Cancer in Allentown, a CT or scan and/or MRI may be required. These technologies make it possible to visualize the entire ENT region, otherwise known as cervical-facial imaging. It makes it possible to precisely locate the anomaly, and to determine its volume and extent.

In all cases, a biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis. When the anomaly is not directly accessible, it is studied under endoscopy after general anesthesia. The examination involves introducing an endoscope (rigid optical tube) into the patient’s mouth to the altered area. This tool allows a sample of the detected abnormality to be taken for histological analysis. A locoregional assessment is carried out to evaluate the progress of the patient’s cancer. Cancers revealed by cervical adenopathy may require surgical opening at the neck (cervicotomy) to confirm the cancerous nature of the lymph node.

Since ENT cancers are linked to heavy smoking and/or alcohol consumption, it is not uncommon to find another cancer related to these issues. In practice, this affects 10 to 15% of patients worldwide. A review is conducted to highlight a second location of the patient’s cancer, mainly in the esophagus or lungs by endoscopy or radiography, respectively. The search for metastases to the liver by ultrasound and/or chest radiography is performed. A PET-scan of the ENT region and thorax is often considered to facilitate the assessment of extension. Visit  for more information.

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