Our health system has a new name. Iowa Health - Des Moines is now UnityPoint Health - Des Moines

John Stoddard Cancer Center

1221 Pleasant Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

p: 515-241-4141

p: 800-246-8347

Larynx Cancer Detection/Diagnosis

If your doctor has any reason to suspect cancer, you will need to have some more tests. These might include any of the following:

  • Complete medical history and physical exam: The first step is to gather the facts about your symptoms, risk factors, family history and medical conditions.
  • Complete head and neck exam: If cancer is suspected, you will need to see a head and neck surgeon. The larynx and hypopharynx are deep inside the neck and not easy to check. This doctor will give you an exam with a special fiber-optic scope. This flexible, lighted tube will be put through the mouth or nose. The scope helps the doctor to "see" these areas.
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • Barium Swallow
  • Biopsy