What to Expect from a Head and Neck Cancer Specialist Visit (2025)

A visit to a head and neck cancer specialist in Singapore is most likely to occur when your primary care doctor suspects cancer in your head or neck area. A skilled head and neck cancer specialist can accurately diagnose and treat cancers that affect the mouth, throat, voice box, salivary glands, and lymph nodes.

The main goals of visits to head and neck cancer specialists are to evaluate symptoms, diagnose cancer and to come up with a treatment plan. Symptoms assessment may be recommended if you’re getting symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or changes in your voice.

The specialist will assess these symptoms to understand what could be causing them. If cancer is suspected, the specialist will conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cancer type and stage.

Based on the diagnosis, your head and neck cancer specialist will provide a tailored treatment plan. This may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these options.

What to Expect when Visiting a Head and Neck Cancer Specialist

When visiting a head and neck cancer specialist, expect them to conduct thorough examination to get to the root of the issues bugging you. They may also order several tests for accurate diagnosis. Here’s what you can typically expect in summary;

• Physical Examination: Your head and neck cancer specialist will start with a physical examination. This includes checking your neck and throat for any lumps, swelling, or abnormalities. They may also look inside your mouth and nasal passages using a small light and mirror or a more advanced endoscope.
• Imaging Tests: If there are indications of cancer, the doctor may order imaging tests to get a better view of the affected areas. Common imaging tests they may order are X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans. X-rays can help check if the cancer has spread to the bones, CT scans provide detailed images of the structures in your head and neck, MRI scans are useful for examining soft tissues and determining the extent of the cancer and PET scans can show cancer activity by highlighting areas with high metabolic rates.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is often necessary to confirm a cancer diagnosis. This procedure involves removing a small tissue sample from the suspicious area. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Depending on the location, a biopsy can be done in various ways, including:
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to remove tissue from a lump or mass.
• Endoscopic Biopsy: An endoscope is used to reach areas like the throat or sinuses.
• Surgical Biopsy: In some cases, a small surgical procedure may be needed to obtain a larger tissue sample.
• Treatment Options: After a diagnosis is confirmed, your head and neck cancer specialist will discuss treatment options tailored to your specific situation. You may be recommended surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapy among others. Here’s what to know about these treatment options;
• Surgery: This is often the first step in treatment. The goal is to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. The extent of surgery depends on the cancer type and stage. In some cases, lymph nodes may also be removed if cancer has spread.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment or as an adjuvant therapy after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells. Treatment typically involves several sessions over a few weeks.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. This treatment can be systemic (affecting the whole body) and is often used in conjunction with surgery or radiation. Chemotherapy can also help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies focus on specific characteristics of cancer cells. These treatments may be used in cases where traditional chemotherapy is less effective. They work by blocking the growth and spread of cancer.

Questions to Ask Your Head and Neck Cancer Specialist

A good head and neck cancer specialist will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure or diagnosis or treatments they recommend. This is important because being prepared with questions can help you better understand your condition and treatment options. Here are some important questions to consider asking during your visit:

• What type of cancer do I have, and what stage is it? Different types of head and neck cancers can vary significantly in their behavior and treatment approaches. It is easier to gauge how advanced your cancer is, if you know the stage which also influences treatment options and prognosis.
• What are my treatment options? Inquire about all available treatments, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Each option has unique benefits and drawbacks. Understanding them can make it easy for you to make choices that align with your values and lifestyle.
• What are the potential side effects of each treatment? Being aware of possible side effects allows you to prepare for them. For instance, surgery might affect your ability to speak or swallow, while chemotherapy may lead to fatigue or nausea. It is easier to manage symptoms effectively if you know what to expect.
• Will I need additional consultations or referrals? Your specialist may recommend consultations with other healthcare professionals, such as nutritionists or speech therapists. These referrals can provide holistic support to help you manage any side effects of treatment while ensuring optimal nutrition and communication skills during recovery.
• What resources are available for emotional support? Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. It may help to seek emotional support to help you get through this journey. Some resources you may find helpful are support groups, counseling services educational resources and palliative care.

In Closing

Visiting a head and neck cancer specialist is a crucial step in understanding and managing your condition. Provided that you have the right information, it should be easy to approach your visit with confidence. Do not shy away from asking questions, comparing treatment options, and seeking emotional support.

If you or a loved one is facing a head and neck cancer diagnosis, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Schedule a visit with a specialist today to better understand your condition and how to best manage it. Details below;

NC Tan Surgery – Thyroid And Head & Neck Specialist Singapore

Head and neck surgeon in Singapore

1 Farrer Park Station Rd, #14-02 Connexion,

Singapore 217562

+65 9731 7973

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