The examination of the throat’s internal structures is a common medical procedure performed to diagnose various symptoms. While often called a “throat scope,” the medical community uses specific terminology based on the exact area being visualized. These procedures involve inserting a specialized instrument to gain a magnified, illuminated view of the upper airway.
Defining the Specific Medical Terminology
The most accurate medical term for visualizing the voice box is laryngoscopy, which is the examination of the larynx and the vocal cords. A related term is pharyngoscopy, which refers to the direct viewing of the pharynx, or the throat cavity, located above the larynx. Both laryngoscopy and pharyngoscopy are specialized types of endoscopy, which is a broader term describing any procedure using an instrument to look inside a body cavity or organ. The instrument used specifically for laryngoscopy is called a laryngoscope.
How the Procedure is Performed
Laryngoscopy is performed using two primary methods, distinguished by the instrument type and the patient’s state. Flexible laryngoscopy uses a thin, fiber-optic tube passed through the nose and down into the throat. This method is commonly performed in a doctor’s office while the patient is awake. The patient can speak and swallow during the procedure, allowing the physician to observe the vocal cords in motion.
The alternative is direct rigid laryngoscopy, a more invasive procedure requiring general anesthesia in an operating room. This method uses a straight, rigid metal tube inserted through the mouth. The rigid instrument allows the physician to manipulate tissue for a clearer, magnified view. Since the patient is unconscious, this approach allows for more extensive examination and is necessary when surgical maneuvers are anticipated.
Primary Diagnostic and Therapeutic Uses
Diagnostic Uses
Physicians order a laryngoscopy for diagnostic purposes, primarily to investigate persistent voice changes, such as hoarseness lasting several weeks, or a chronic sore throat without an obvious cause. The procedure also helps evaluate symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, or the sensation of a lump in the throat. The visual examination can identify:
- Lesions or growths.
- Signs of reflux damage.
- Abnormalities in vocal cord movement.
Therapeutic Uses
In a therapeutic context, the scope is used as a conduit for instruments to treat issues within the larynx. Small surgical tools can be passed through the laryngoscope for several purposes:
- Removing foreign objects lodged in the airway.
- Taking a biopsy of suspicious masses or lesions.
- Treating or removing small growths, such as polyps or nodules, sometimes using a laser.