Screening for problems in the head and neck starts with a careful physical examination of the sinuses, nostrils, and throat. The examination also includes close attention to how your teeth look, how your breath smells, and the condition of the skin and soft tissues in the head and neck. Your healthcare provider should ask questions about your eating habits and digestion, your dental health, and any pain or discomfort in the head and neck region.

Sinus infections. If the physical examination and discussion uncover possible sinus infections, a sinus x-ray should be ordered and a referral made to an ear, nose, and throat specialist, if necessary. Survivors with headaches or migraines should be referred to a neurologist for a thorough evaluation.

Difficulty swallowing and gastrointestinal discomfort. If you have a history of indigestion, difficulty swallowing, or stomachaches, your healthcare provider at the survivorship clinic may order tests to see how the stomach empties. These could include an upper gastrointestinal series, which is an x-ray examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract that includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, or a barium swallow, which focuses on the esophagus. Esophageal strictures or esophagitis should be evaluated and treated by a gastroenterologist.

Oral health. You should get a complete dental examination and cleaning every 6 months if you are a survivor of childhood cancer. Your dentist should refer you to an orthodontist (a dentist with expertise in treating irregularities of the teeth or jaws) if you have problems with teeth crowding or improper bite.