In some situations, patients learn about the risk of cancer from their family doctors. There’s a strong lump or an unexplained mass. They want you to get further screenings. In some cases, the best option is to turn to an experienced ear, nose, and throat doctor. ENT professionals can offer you the help you need to determine what the problem is, if there is one, as well as what your options are for finding out if there is a risk or the presence of cancer. There’s no reason to wait and wonder. Our team can help you to determine what is actually happening.
Head and Neck Screenings
An ENT doctor can help you to conduct the necessary head and neck cancer screenings. These screenings can reveal what is occurring and what your options are for treatment. Generally, you are at an increased risk of this type of cancer if you have the following risk factors present:
- You have used tobacco products routinely even if it was in the past
- You have used alcohol routinely
- You have reflux disease
- You have certain types of viral infections
- You have a family history of head or throat cancer
If you have these factors, or there are no risk factors and something is detected on a previous scan or test, you should schedule an exam with an ENT doctor to determine what is occurring.
There are symptoms of most forms of head and neck cancers. These can include reflux, or heartburn, ear pain, throat pain, hoarseness, nagging coughs, trouble swallowing, or other unexplained complications.
What Happens If You Have Cancer?
If your ENT doctor determines there is a risk for cancer present due to the results of the test, the next step will be better understanding what it is, the stage of it, as well as the treatment options available or necessary. Every case is very unique and your doctor will need to work closely with you to determine the best course of action. There is good news, though. There are various steps you can take to see improvement if and when you seek out treatment for your condition sooner rather than later.
Don’t overlook the value of getting immediate help if you suspect any level or type of throat or head cancer is present. When you come in to our Manhattan, New York ENT doctor office, you can learn more about the options.
Call us at 212-867-4813 to schedule an appointment.
