The Pediatric Head & Neck Cancer Foundation clinicians and their allies strive to be catalysts for change to better detect HN cancers in children. By advancing diagnostic tools and methods, we can detect cancers early in the youngest patients—when they are easiest to treat successfully. After all, we cannot treat what we do not understand. The following three common tests and diagnostics aid doctors and specialists worldwide in understanding and informing the best possible treatment recommendations.
Ultrasound
This imaging method is often the first line of defense when a child presents with an HN mass. It is accessible, requires no sedation or general anesthesia, and provides a radiation-free option. Well-suited to children, ultrasound imaging created using high-frequency sound waves allows the doctor to quickly determine whether the mass is cystic or solid. This helps to narrow down the potential diagnosis, and ultrasound also plays an important role in determining if further imaging is necessary.
CT scans
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) may be particularly helpful when diagnosing and better understanding certain types of lesions, including those that are very large or deep. This technology can provide a more comprehensive evaluation than ultrasound alone. CT scans combine two technologies – X-rays and a computer – to render images of the inside of the body. We can visualize tumors or other anomalies within the head/neck region that may require treatment. Our understanding of the nature of the cancer (such as its specific type and if or how it has spread) also informs the next steps in this journey to healing.
PET scans
PET stands for “positron emission tomography.” We know this term is a mouthful, but PET simply involves using a tiny, safe, and injectable radioactive chemical and a special machine called a PET scanner. The chemical is injected into the bloodstream. When it accumulates in areas of high activity (such as cancerous masses), the special PET scanner detects the emitted radiation and generates a 3-D image showing the chemical’s distribution. This substance or radioactive tracer is also typically a modified form of glucose or sugar. The PET process isolates those areas that are using the most sugar. Cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells. So, PET scans can provide great insights into the cells that require treatment.