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« Providing comprehensive care for the patient is important for our multidisciplinary team but equally important is providing it without delay ... »
 

Delphine Talmon,
Oncological Care Coordinating Nurse (ICSO)

How we treat ENT cancers of the head and neck

Head and neck cancers include all tumours that develop in the upper aerodigestive tract and ENT (ear, nose and throat) system: tongue, cheek, palate, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, larynx, pharynx, etc.

The first consultation will involve a detailed clinical examination known as a fibre optic endoscopy. In this examination, the doctor uses a fine, flexible tube fitted with a minicamera to view the inside the nose, mouth and throat.

A biopsy is taken from the area concerned or from a lymph gland situated close to the tumour. These samples are then analysed in the laboratory by a pathologist to see whether there are any cancer cells present.

To assess the tumour and see whether it has spread in the body, the patient will undergo medical imaging examinations: cervicofacial CT scan, MRI, PET scan, bronchoscopy, oesogastroscopy, etc.