Wednesday 03 July 2024
Please note some of the following tests may be carried out at Salisbury, Southampton, Bath or Poole.
A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is when radiation (in low doses) is used to look at cells in an area of your body to look for abnormalities.
A PET-CT scan is when a PET Scan and a CT Scan (further information below) are carried out together.
Macmillan Cancer Support offer further information on these tests via the following link: PET or PET-CT scan | Macmillan Cancer Support
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is carried out using a special x-ray machine which produces an image of a cross section, or ‘slice’ of the body. The scanner consists of a ‘doughnut-shaped’ structure about two feet thick, through which you pass whilst lying on a couch.
The hospital website has some further information via the following link: Computed Tomography (CT)
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and uses strong magnetic fields and gradients, coupled with radio waves, to generate cross-sectional pictures of various body parts.
For more information about MRI scans at Salisbury District Hospital, please click here.
An ultrasound produces pictures of the inside of your body using sound waves.
The hospital website has some further information via the following link: Ultrasound (salisbury.nhs.uk)
You may have a biopsy, which is where a small sample is taken to be tested for cancer in a laboratory. This could be done via a fine needle aspiration (FNA), needle (core) biopsy or incision biopsy. Macmillan Cancer Support provide further information on each of these on their website: Head and neck cancer tests | Macmillan Cancer Support
Cancer Research UK have put together extensive information on each of the head and neck cancers, which includes information on tests/investigations which may take place for each individual cancer.
If you would like to read this information, please visit their website Head and neck cancer | Cancer Research UK. From here, click on the specific cancer you would like to know about, then click on ‘getting diagnosed with X cancer’ and on the next page, click ‘tests for X cancer’.
Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
