How are head and neck cancers diagnosed?
In evaluating the change or complaint in the head and neck region, the medical history of the person is evaluated by the doctor, the examination is performed and then the necessary tests are planned.
The procedures to be done may vary after evaluation. A definitive diagnosis is made by pathological examination of a small piece taken from the mass under microscope. Cancer diagnosis is not definitive without a pathological diagnosis.
After the diagnosis of cancer, the stage of the disease will be evaluated, which will determine the course of the cancer in the future. In staging, whether there are signs of cancer in other parts of the body, and if so, in which region is evaluated.
In staging, radiological and scintigraphic imaging methods approved by the doctor are used. After determining the stage of the cancer, it will be decided which treatments such as surgical intervention, chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be started with. This decision is of great importance in the success of the treatment.
In a metastasized disease, treatment is started with chemotherapy rather than surgery.
