There are a variety of tests, procedures, and scans that doctors use to examine the throat and neck in order to detect and diagnose cancer of the hypopharynx. Typically, your initial visit will be with your primary care physician (PCP), who will perform a basic exam. If your doctor suspects there may be a tumor in your hypopharynx, he or she will refer you to an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist (ENT) who will perform a more complete exam and request further testing, such as biopsy and imaging if needed.
Tests to Determine if Hypopharyngeal Cancer is Present
The ENT will start with a physical exam of the throat. They are likely to perform some additional tests to identify the source of your symptoms, such as:
- Endoscopy: A procedure used to look at areas in the throat that cannot be seen with a mirror during the physical exam of the throat. An endoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the nose or mouth to check the throat for anything that seems unusual.
- Laryngoscopy: A procedure to look at the larynx (voice box) for abnormal areas. A mirror or a laryngoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted through the mouth to see the larynx.
- Panendoscopy: a procedure that involves a combination of laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy, and in some cases, bronchoscopy. A panendoscopy is a test used to look at the pharynx, larynx, upper trachea, and esophagus.
- Videostroboscopy: A technique that uses fiber optics to enhance the view of the larynx in order to detect motion abnormalities and other changes in vibration within the vocal folds. Videostroboscopy helps determine the location and size of a tumor, as well as how the tumor has affected the function of the larynx and hypopharynx. This method is useful because the results often show potential changes before they are visible to the eye alone.
- Neurological evaluation: A set of tests to determine if your coordination, ability to walk normally, and other reactions are normal or if perhaps there is something causing a problem with the brain, spinal cord, or nerve function.
Biopsy
If cancer is suspected, the doctor may recommend a biopsy. While other tests can suggest that cancer is present, only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. The specialist can take out small tissue samples from any tumors or other changed areas using special tools put through an endoscope, laryngoscope, or bronchoscope.
Tests to Determine if the Cancer Has Spread Outside of the Hypopharynx
If the biopsy results show cancer, it’s common to add other tests, including blood work and imaging, to see if the cancer has spread and, if so, how far. Some imaging studies your doctor may request include:
- CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
- PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body. A small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. The PET scanner rotates around the body and makes a picture of where glucose is being used in the body. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter in the picture because they are more active and take up more glucose than normal cells do. A PET scan and CT scan may be done at the same time. This is called a PET-CT.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
- Bone scan: A procedure to check if there are rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, in the bone. A very small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. The radioactive material collects in the bones with cancer and is detected by a scanner.
- Barium esophagogram: An x-ray of the esophagus that is taken after the patient drinks a liquid that contains barium (a silver-white metallic compound). The liquid coats the esophagus and makes it easier for the doctor to see problems in the throat.
Learn more about how oncologists determine the stage of hypopharyngeal cancer.
Hypopharynx Cancer Care in South Chicago
If you have been diagnosed with a type of head and neck cancer, like cancer of the hypopharynx, the specialists at Affiliated Oncologists are here to help guide you through the latest treatment options for hypopharyngeal cancer. Our cancer centers are located throughout the South Chicago area, including Chicago Ridge, Mokena, Hazel Crest, Palos Heights, and Oak Lawn.