Nasal Cancer Health Center

The following tests and procedures may be used:

• physical exam and history. This is an exam of the body to check for general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
• physical exam of the nose, face, and neck. An exam in which the doctor looks into the nose with a small, long-handled mirror to check for abnormal areas and checks the face and neck for lumps or swollen lymph nodes.
• x-rays of the head, neck, and chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
• nasoscopy. A procedure to look inside the nose for abnormal areas. A nasoscope is inserted into the nose. A nasoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
• biopsy. The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.