How it is Diagnosed

Your GP will examine you and arrange for any further tests that may be necessary. You will need to be referred to a hospital specialist for these tests, and for expert advice and treatment. The doctor at the hospital will take your full medical history, carry out a physical examination, and take blood samples to check your general health. The following tests are commonly used to make a firm diagnosis:
X-rays These may be taken to show the size and position of the cancer.
CT (computerised tomography) scan This is a sophisticated type of x-ray that builds up a detailed three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. The scan is painless but takes about 10 minutes. It may be used to find the exact site of the cancer, or to check for any spread of the cancer. Most people who have a CT scan are given a drink or injection that enables particular areas to be seen more clearly. Before having the injection or drink, it is important to tell the person doing this test if you are allergic to iodine or have asthma.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan This scan uses magnetism instead of x-rays to form a series of cross-sectional pictures of the inside of the body. During the scan, you will be asked to lie on the couch inside a metal cylinder. You will usually be given an injection of a liquid that enables the pictures to be seen more clearly. The test can take up to an hour and is completely painless. If you don't like enclosed spaces you may find the machine claustrophobic. The machine is also quite noisy, but you will be given earplugs or headphones to wear.
Nasopharyngoscopy In this procedure a fine tube with a light at the end (nasendoscope) is guided through the nose into the sinus area. If an abnormal area is seen, a small piece of tissue will be taken to examine under a microscope for cancer cells (biopsy). This may be carried out under a local or general anaesthetic. This test can be uncomfortable and you may be given an anaesthetic spray beforehand to numb your nose and throat. You will then be asked not to eat or drink anything for about an hour afterwards, until your throat has lost the numb feeling.