Effective treatment of head and neck tumors begins with the accurate diagnosis of each patient's condition. The Head and Neck Tumor Program at Swedish uses a contemporary approach that involves comprehensive pretreatment consultation and state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging techniques. Performed onsite at Swedish, one or more of the following advanced tests may be required during this phase of care:

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - A PET scan allows your doctor to see the function of tissues and organs inside your body. A PET image contains areas of more or less intense color and provides information about chemical activity within these organs and tissues. This chemical activity may indicate areas of disease not detected by other scanning methods.

Co-Registered Imaging Combining PET and Computerized Tomography (CT) Technologies (PET/CT) - This state-of-the-art imaging technology, provides doctors with not only images of chemical activity (from the PET), but also detailed information about the location, size and shape of a tumor (from the CT).

Genetic and Biochemical Specimen Analysis - Specific genetic and biochemical analysis are utilized when testing blood and tissue samples.

Lymphoscintigraphy - Lymphoscintigraphy is a diagnostic test that allows detection of lymph flow from a primary tumor site to lymph nodes that may be involved by tumor spread. Lymphoscintigraphy involves the injection of a water-based substance that is then traced with a camera and computer to map the lymph flow and locate lymph nodes.

Minimally Invasive, Image-Guided Needle Biopsy - To determine the type of tumor your doctor may order a biopsy to obtain a small sample of the tumor. The doctor inserts a small needle, guided by ultrasound or other imaging techniques, into the abnormal area to remove some tissue. Following the procedure, the tissue is given to a pathologist for analysis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Dedicated Neuroradiology Interpretation - This non-invasive procedure uses powerful magnets and radio waves (as opposed to X-ray) to produce images of the body. After the MRI is taken, a neuroradiologist, a radiologist who specializes in reading images of the brain, spine, head and neck, will provide a detailed interpretation.

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping-Biopsy - This procedure helps determine if cancer is present in the sentinel lymph node (the first node, or group of nodes to come into contact with cancer cells that have left the original cancer location). Sentinel-node biopsy involves injection of a colored dye and/or radioactive isotope near the tumor. If no cancer is found in the sentinel node, it is an indication that cancer has not spread to other more distant lymph node groups. Small incisions and hand-held radioactivity detectors are used to remove identified sentinel lymph nodes.

The Head and Neck Tumor Program at Swedish has the on-site expertise and advanced resources necessary to provide a full range of advanced treatment options for patients. Surgical or nonsurgical approaches may be recommended and utilized as part of specific treatment plans. When appropriate, minimally invasive techniques may be used to help reduce pain and recovery time, as well as preserve functionality of affected areas.

Biochemically Directed Parathyroid Surgery - Minimally invasive technique to surgically remove the parathyroid gland (or glands) which overproduce parathyroid hormone. Alterations in calcium balance result from tumor growth of parathyroid glands.

Endoscopic Laser Laryngeal Surgery - Using specially lighted tubes (endoscopes) and cameras inserted into the patients mouth and throat, the surgeon removes tumors of the larynx; micro-instruments and lasers are used so no incisions are made.

Lymph Node Surgery - See above definition.

Skin Cancer Surgery - For abnormal melanomas and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Targeted Radiotherapy (i.e., Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Gamma Knife® Treatment)

Thyroid Surgery - A minimal approach for both benign and malignant tumors of the thyroid glands. Also, structure/function sparing lymph node procedures are employed when thyroid tumors have spread to other areas.