NHRG - Ultrasound

An acoustic neuroma is a benign growth that arises on the eighth cranial nerve leading from the brain to the inner ear. They arise in the bony canal called the internal auditory canal. The facial nerve provides motion of the muscles of facial expression and is often affected by these tumours. Acoustic neuromas usually grow slowly over a period of years. They expand in size at their site of origin and when large can displace normal brain tissue. The brain is not invaded by the tumour, but the tumour pushes the brain as it enlarges. The tumour now assumes a pear shape with the small end in the internal auditory canal. Larger tumours can press on another nerve in the area (the trigeminal nerve) which is the nerve of facial sensation. Large tumours cause pressure on the brainstem and cerebellum.

Cancers of the mouth
Cancers of the Pharynx
Cancer of the nose
Cancer of the ear
Cancer of the eye

Mostly, head and neck cancers are triggered by carcinogens, substances that cause cancer. Common carcinogens are chemicals found in tobacco smoke, chewing tobacco and snuff. Chronic or heavy alcohol use is another important risk factor.

Upper digestive tract — This area includes the lips, mouth, throat, and larynx (voice box). Of all head and neck cancers, those involving the upper digestive tract are the most common. More than 90 percent of cases are related to tobacco use. Alcohol increases the risk of cancers in this area of the body, especially when consumption is heavy and constant.

Salivary glands — Salivary-gland cancer is rare.

Nasopharynx — The nasopharynx is the upper portion of the back of the throat, where the throat meets the back of the nasal cavity. Unlike other head and neck cancers, there is no association with tobacco or alcohol use. It is generally more sensitive to both chemotherapy and radiation than other head and neck cancers as well.

Sinuses and nasal cavity — In many cases, these cancers grow fairly large before they are diagnosed. This is because the sinuses and nasal cavity have space for tumours to grow before they block the sinuses or nasal passages or cause other symptoms.

The diagnosis is made by Nasal Endoscopy and/or Biopsy of the mass or enlarged lymph node in the neck

If the biopsy result shows that you have cancer, your doctor may want to do some further tests to find out more about the extent (stage) of your cancer.

The results of all these tests help the doctor gather as much information as possible so they can decide which is the best type of treatment for you. Your doctor will decide which particular tests are necessary in your case. These may include some of the following:

Plain X-ray

Shows Paranasal sinuses and the airway

Sialography - Dye injection into salivary duct to exclude obstruction
CT scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Contraindications include otologic implants

Isotope bone scan
Barium swallow, Ultrasound and PET or PET/CT
Biopsies - Fluoroscopy, CT, MRI or Ultrasound guided

Contents

Cancers of the head and neck include

Staging of cancers of the head and neck