The diagnosis phase of hard palate cancer can be difficult and overwhelming. During this phase, further testing will be necessary to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Patients can expect their doctor to have a discussion with them about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to each of the following approaches.
Imaging
Imaging scans provide the doctor with an inside view of the body. Imaging of the head and neck will be required to determine the extent as well as the behavior of a growth, and is vital prior to treatment of any hard palate tumor. The most common imaging tests used are CT and MRI scans. Occasionally, a more advanced imaging study called PET/CT will be needed. Learn more about imaging.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to examine under a microscope to see if it is cancerous. A biopsy of a suspicious area in the mouth (or mass in the neck) is usually needed prior to treatment. There are a few different ways to perform this biopsy, but the most common and easiest approach is an incisional or punch biopsy. In some cases, a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of any suspicious lymph nodes in the neck may also be helpful. Learn more about biopsies.
