Can an ENT Detect Cancer?
It is possible for an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to detect cancer in a patient during an examination. However, it is not the ENT specialist’s primary purpose to diagnose cancer. An ENT specialist may detect cancerous cells in the throat, neck, or head region during an exam and may then recommend further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosis is the process of identifying a disease or condition based on its signs and symptoms. An ENT specialist may examine the throat, neck, or head region for signs or symptoms of cancer. This may include taking a medical history, performing a physical exam, and ordering imaging tests and laboratory tests.
Imaging tests are tests that use medical imaging devices to create pictures of the inside of the body. These tests may be used to detect cancer and other diseases. Common imaging tests used by ENT specialists include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans.
Laboratory tests are tests that use samples of blood, urine, or tissue to diagnose diseases or conditions. Common laboratory tests used by ENT specialists include biopsies, endoscopic examinations, and blood tests.
An ENT specialist may detect cancer in a patient during an exam, but it is not the primary purpose of an ENT specialist to diagnose cancer. An ENT specialist may recommend further tests to confirm the diagnosis. Diagnosis is the process of identifying a disease or condition based on its signs and symptoms and may involve imaging tests and laboratory tests.