Mouth, Throat & Esophageal Cancer

There are several diagnostic methods to discover throat cancer:

• An examination of the neck and throat may show cancers of the throat.
• The sputum may appear bloody.
• A lump may appear on the outside of the neck.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for oral cancer may include one or more of the following:

• Biopsy – a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for esophageal cancer may include the following:

• Chest X-ray – a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film.