An endoscopy is a medical procedure using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light, called an endoscope, to visually inspect the inside of the body. For throat cancer, endoscopy provides a direct view of the throat and surrounding areas, aiding in diagnosing and managing potential abnormalities.
Role of Endoscopy in Throat Cancer Detection
Endoscopy plays a significant role in detecting throat cancer by allowing direct visualization of suspicious areas. It provides real-time images, enabling a thorough examination of the throat lining to identify lesions, masses, or abnormal tissue.
Beyond initial diagnosis, endoscopy also assists in cancer staging, determining tumor size and whether it has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can be performed alongside a standard endoscopy, using sound waves to create detailed images of the tumor’s depth and any spread to surrounding lymph nodes.
Endoscopy is also used for surveillance and monitoring, particularly for individuals at high risk or those who have completed cancer treatment. Regular endoscopic examinations help check for any recurrence of cancer or the development of new abnormalities. Several types of endoscopy are relevant for throat cancer, including laryngoscopy for the voice box (larynx) and upper throat (pharynx), esophagoscopy for the esophagus, and bronchoscopy for the airways. These are often combined in a “panendoscopy” to provide a comprehensive view of the entire upper aerodigestive tract.
Preparing for and Undergoing an Endoscopy
Preparing for an endoscopy involves several steps. Patients are typically instructed to stop eating and drinking for a specific period before the examination, often after midnight the night before, or at least six hours prior to an afternoon procedure. It is also important to inform the doctor about all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin, as adjustments may be necessary to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
On the day of the endoscopy, patients are usually advised to wear comfortable clothing and remove any jewelry, glasses, or dentures. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted in the arm to administer medication. Patients are typically given sedation to help them relax and minimize discomfort. In some instances, a local anesthetic spray is used to numb the throat, which helps in swallowing the endoscope and reduces the gag reflex.
The patient is usually positioned on their side, and a plastic mouth guard may be placed to protect the teeth and the endoscope. The thin, flexible endoscope is then gently inserted through the mouth and guided down the throat into the esophagus. A tiny camera at the end of the endoscope transmits real-time images to a monitor, allowing the healthcare provider to visually examine the throat, vocal cords, and esophagus. If suspicious areas are identified, small tissue samples, known as biopsies, can be collected. The procedure typically takes between 15 minutes to an hour and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Interpreting Endoscopy Results and Next Steps
After the endoscopy, patients are moved to a recovery area where they are monitored as the sedative wears off. It is common to experience some mild side effects, such as a sore throat, gas, or bloating, which usually subside within a few hours to a day. Due to the sedation, patients are not permitted to drive for at least 24 hours and should arrange for someone to take them home. Avoid making important decisions or consuming alcohol during this period.
Any tissue samples or biopsies collected during the endoscopy are sent to a pathology lab for detailed examination under a microscope. A pathologist will look for signs of cancer cells. Biopsy results are typically available within a few days to two weeks.
The results of the endoscopy and biopsy will guide the next steps in a patient’s care. Possible outcomes include normal findings, indicating no significant abnormalities, or benign (non-cancerous) findings. If malignant (cancerous) findings are present, further diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the extent and stage of the cancer, such as imaging scans like CT, MRI, or PET scans. Based on the comprehensive findings, a healthcare team will develop a personalized treatment plan. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to discuss results, plan further actions, and monitor recovery or disease progression.