An associate with Mount Nittany Physician Group, Dr. James Freije has been practicing otolaryngology and head and neck surgery for more than 20 years. Well-recognized for his understanding of a range of related topics, Dr. James Freije has given several presentations and written numerous publications on such issues as muscle tumors and laryngeal cancer.
If you have the signs of laryngeal cancer, there are several tests your physician may perform to reach an accurate diagnosis. In addition to asking basic questions about your health, medical history, and lifestyle, your doctor may perform one of the following tests:
- Physical exam: your physician may complete a basic physical examination of your throat and neck to check for abnormal areas. This often involves your doctor feeling the inside of your mouth and using a mirror and light to check the gums, cheeks, tongue, and neck.
- Biopsy: depending on where the tumor is believed to be, there are several types of biopsies that may be performed. Endoscopies take tissue samples from the throat and esophagus while laryngoscopies take samples from the larynx. Your physician may also perform a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
- Imaging scans: various x-rays and imaging procedures, such as CAT scans and MRIs, may also be used to get a better idea of the tumor’s location and size. Additionally, your physician may request a barium swallow, a type of x-ray procedure, or a bone scan.
If you have the signs of laryngeal cancer, there are several tests your physician may perform to reach an accurate diagnosis. In addition to asking basic questions about your health, medical history, and lifestyle, your doctor may perform one of the following tests:
- Physical exam: your physician may complete a basic physical examination of your throat and neck to check for abnormal areas. This often involves your doctor feeling the inside of your mouth and using a mirror and light to check the gums, cheeks, tongue, and neck.
- Biopsy: depending on where the tumor is believed to be, there are several types of biopsies that may be performed. Endoscopies take tissue samples from the throat and esophagus while laryngoscopies take samples from the larynx. Your physician may also perform a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
- Imaging scans: various x-rays and imaging procedures, such as CAT scans and MRIs, may also be used to get a better idea of the tumor’s location and size. Additionally, your physician may request a barium swallow, a type of x-ray procedure, or a bone scan.