Specific tests
Cancers of the lip and in the front of the mouth will be quite easy to see but further tests are often needed to check the extent of cancer. Cancers in the oropharynx are more difficult to see and will usually need to be examined using endoscopy. There are different names for endoscopy examinations looking at different parts of the inside of the mouth, nose, throat, lungs and oesophagus. Biopsies are often taken during examination.
Nasoendoscopy – this test uses a small endoscope to look at the throat and vocal cords via the nose and is done in outpatients.
Laryngoscopy or indirect laryngoscopy – this is a test done using a laryngoscope and mirror to look down at the throat. It is done in outpatients.
Pan-endoscopy – this word means an endoscopy to look at all areas of the nose, throat and lungs and is done under general anaesthetic.
Transnasal endoscopy – a small endoscope is used to examine the oesophagus and throat via the nose, this is done in outpatients.
Fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes (FNA) – if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes of the neck they can usually be felt under the skin, a needle is used to suck out or aspirate some of these cells to see if the cancer is in the lymph nodes if they feel larger than normal.
Biopsy – removing a small piece of tissue for examination under the microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy will be able to diagnose whether abnormal areas in the mouth are cancerous or not.
Ultrasound scan of the neck – to look at the lymph nodes in the neck – a FNA may be done at the same time.
Blood tests – liver function tests (LFTs) full blood count may show anaemia.
X-rays of the jaws and teeth
Specialist dental examination – a dentist will be asked to examine the mouth and treat any problems such as loose or infected teeth and gum disease which may cause extra problems during treatment of cancers in the mouth.
MRI scan – used to identify staging
CT scan – used to identify staging
PET scan – used to identify staging
Amended November 2008
