Diagnosis, investigations and tests

You will be seen by one of our doctors who will talk to you about your symptoms and examine your mouth, throat and neck. They may also take blood tests and question you on your general health.

 

Endoscope – At your first appointment, your doctor may use a fine flexible tube with a light and a camera to examine the mouth, nose and throat. The tube is inserted through your nose and allows the doctor to take a closer look at what is going on.

 

CT scan – CT scans take pictures of your body to find out where the cancer is and whether it has spread. This normally takes around 10 minutes. Read more about CT scans.

 

MRI Scan - MRI scans use magnetism and radio waves to create a cross sectional picture of the body. You will have an MRI scan to see if your cancer has spread. The scan itself normally takes around 45 minutes to one hour. Learn more about MRI scans.

 

Biopsy – If the area of concern is easy to see and reach, your doctor may take a small sample of tissue. This is then examined by a scientist in the laboratory. This type of biopsy can take place in one of our Outpatients Clinics and the doctor can numb the area with some anaesthetic spray.

 

Ultrasound biopsy – This type of biopsy is done in our Radiology Department and is performed by a consultant radiographer. They will use a specialised needle to remove a small sample of tissue from a lump or suspicious area.