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Screening for Head and Neck Cancer

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AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute

If you’re concerned you may have head and neck cancer, you want answers quickly. That’s why at AtlantiCare, we’re focused on providing the expert medical attention you need to get a diagnosis as fast and accurately as possible.

While there's not currently a specialized screening test for head and neck cancer, many pre-cancers and cancers in these areas can be found early during routine exams by a doctor, dentist, dental hygienist, or by self-exam. If you smoke and regularly consume alcohol, you should do a self-exam once per month to check for any changes inside your mouth. If you notice any lumps, white patches, or sores, see your doctor.

At your regular dental checkup, your dentist may use special dyes and/or lights to look for abnormal areas, especially if you are at higher risk for head and neck cancer. If anything looks abnormal, another test will help your dentist decide if these areas might be cancer. He or she may take a biopsy to remove a small bit of the suspicious tissue for further testing.

Know the Signs

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of head and neck cancer, especially if you are at higher risk for the disease. Common signs include:

  • Swelling or a sore that doesn't heal
  • Pain in the mouth that doesn’t go away
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth
  • Lump, bump or mass in the head or neck area, with or without pain
  • Bad breath that’s not explained by hygiene
  • Hoarseness or change in voice
  • Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek
  • Jaw pain
  • Weight loss

If you recognize any of the symptoms above, or just want to stay proactive, AtlantiCare can help. Our board-certified primary care physicians offer thorough head and neck cancer checkups close to home. If needed, we can also perform any follow-up tests or refer you to a board-certified ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) or another cancer specialist. 

Call 1-888-569-1000 to make your appointment today.

Diagnosing Head and Neck Cancer

During your checkup, your doctor will look inside your mouth, nose and throat, and check for lumps in your neck. That’s especially important if you use tobacco or have in the past, or drink regularly.

If your physician finds anything suspicious, you may need additional tests, such as:

  • Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed and checked for cancer cells.
  • Panendoscopy: A complete exam done in the operating room under anesthesia. The surgeon looks inside your nose, mouth and throat through thin tubes called scopes and may perform biopsies of abnormal tissue.
  • CT scan: A special kind of X-ray that takes detailed pictures to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, lungs or other organs.
  • MRI scan: MRIs use radio waves and strong magnets instead of X-rays to take detailed pictures. MRIs can be used to learn more about the size of the cancer and look for other tumors.
  • Barium swallow: X-rays are taken while you swallow a liquid with barium in it. Barium coats the inside surface of the throat and helps get a good picture to see how you swallow.
  • Chest X-rays: Used to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
  • PET scan: You are given a special type of sugar that can be seen inside your body with a special camera. If there is cancer, this sugar shows up as “hot spots” where the cancer is found.

If cancer is detected, know that you have South Jersey’s most experienced care team in your corner. These specialists will discuss your cancer treatment options and work closely with you to create a personalized plan.