A “throat scope” is a medical procedure using a specialized instrument to look directly inside the upper airway and digestive tract. This examination helps a doctor visualize internal structures otherwise hidden from view, such as the voice box and the upper throat and esophagus. The primary goal is to diagnose symptoms or perform minor treatments by gaining a clear, magnified view. The specific name of the procedure depends on the anatomical area being examined.
Defining the Procedures and Instruments
The general term for using an instrument with a light and camera to view inside the body is endoscopy. However, the specific examination of the throat and upper airway has several distinct names.
The most common procedure is Laryngoscopy, which examines the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords. The instrument is called a laryngoscope.
A procedure focused on the pharynx (the part of the throat behind the nose and mouth) is known as Pharyngoscopy. If the examination extends into the gullet (the muscular tube leading from the pharynx to the stomach), it is called Esophagoscopy. Because these structures are closely linked, doctors often perform a combined examination.
The endoscope comes in two main forms: flexible and rigid. A flexible endoscope is a thin, maneuverable tube passed through the nose, often used for comfortable diagnostic procedures while the patient is awake. A rigid endoscope is a straight, stiff tube inserted through the mouth, providing a highly magnified, stable view often used for surgical interventions. The choice depends on whether the doctor is seeking a diagnosis or planning a treatment.
Reasons for Performing the Examination
These visual examinations are necessary when a patient reports persistent symptoms suggesting a problem in the upper airway or digestive tract.
One frequent reason is chronic hoarseness or a change in voice quality lasting more than three weeks, which could indicate a vocal cord issue. Chronic, unexplained throat pain or ear pain that does not resolve can also prompt an examination.
The procedure investigates difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or the sensation of having a lump stuck in the throat. Diagnostically, the scope allows the physician to look for signs of vocal cord paralysis, inflammation from acid reflux disease, or damage caused by irritants like tobacco smoke. It provides the only direct way to evaluate and confirm the presence of cancerous or precancerous masses.
Therapeutic Uses
The scope can also be used for therapeutic purposes, such as removing a foreign object that has been accidentally swallowed. Doctors can pass specialized instruments through the scope to take a tissue sample (biopsy) from suspicious areas. If a narrowing (stricture) is identified in the esophagus, the instrument can be used to gently stretch the area, improving swallowing.
Preparing for and Recovering from the Examination
Preparation depends on the instrument and planned sedation.
Preparation
For a flexible procedure performed in an office setting, preparation is minimal, usually involving a topical numbing spray applied to suppress the gag reflex. The patient remains awake, and the procedure typically takes only a few minutes.
Procedures using a rigid endoscope, especially those involving a biopsy or surgical treatment, are performed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and stillness. Patients are instructed to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the procedure to prevent complications.
Recovery
After the examination, it is common to experience a sore throat, mild tongue discomfort, or temporary hoarseness, which can persist for a few days. Patients who received general anesthesia are monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off. They may be advised to rest their voice. Most patients can resume normal activities and diet the following day, often with a follow-up appointment scheduled to discuss the findings.