Head and Neck Cancer Screening
HEAD AND NECK / CANCER SCREENING
Early examination of the nose, throat, mouth and neck, including screening for nasopharyngeal cancer, with consultant ENT surgeon Dr Nurhani Yasmin Abdul Rahman at Kemena Pacific Hospital.
Why screening matters in Sarawak
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the back of the nose (nasopharynx), mouth, throat and voice box. Nasopharyngeal cancer is more common in Sarawak than in many other parts of the world, and finding it early makes a major difference to treatment and outcomes.
Warning signs
- Blood in nasal mucus or saliva
- A blocked ear on one side with no cold
- A painless neck lump that does not go away
- A blocked nose on one side
- Hoarseness for more than three weeks
- A mouth ulcer or white patch that does not heal
- Difficulty swallowing that is getting worse
Who should consider screening?
- Anyone with the warning signs above
- People with a family history of nasopharyngeal cancer
- Smokers and heavy drinkers
- People who chew betel nut
What happens during screening
Dr Yasmin asks about your symptoms and risk factors, then examines the neck, mouth and throat. A small camera with a numbing spray is used to look at the back of the nose and the voice box. If anything looks unusual, a biopsy or scan may be arranged. If cancer is found, she explains the results and coordinates the next steps with the specialist cancer team.
FAQs
Is screening painful?
No. The camera examination uses a numbing spray and takes a few minutes.
I have no symptoms but my father had nose cancer. Should I be checked?
Yes. A family history of nasopharyngeal cancer is a reason to discuss screening.
Does a blocked ear mean cancer?
Usually not, but a blocked ear on one side in an adult without a cold should always include a check of the back of the nose.