Fibrooptic Larangoscopy

Hello All,

I have had a few symptoms of tongue and neck cancer for awhile.  My dentist took a look at my tongue and sent me to an ENT.  I have an appointment with the ENT on Monday, but over the phone I just told her of the symptoms I have had for awhile (sore throat and spots on tongue) not the symptoms I have noticed for awhile now that I might be psychological.   Just based on the most basic symptoms she told me I should have this test done.  That makes me scared.  Has anyone had this test done and can tell me what happened?  Does it cause pain?  Is it often offered if someone is not cancerous?

On 7/9/2008 katekate wrote:

Hello All,

I have had a few symptoms of tongue and neck cancer for awhile.  My dentist took a look at my tongue and sent me to an ENT.  I have an appointment with the ENT on Monday, but over the phone I just told her of the symptoms I have had for awhile (sore throat and spots on tongue) not the symptoms I have noticed for awhile now that I might be psychological.   Just based on the most basic symptoms she told me I should have this test done.  That makes me scared.  Has anyone had this test done and can tell me what happened?  Does it cause pain?  Is it often offered if someone is not cancerous?

This procedure is common in neck exams.  My doctor numbs me by using two sprays.  You can feel the scope entering and moving around but with the numbing spray it is painless.   It allows the doctor to get a good look inside your throat to see what is going on.   It takes only a few minutes and is well worth it if you are worried about symptoms.

I would think that it is offered to anyone that needs to have the doctor look at your throat area, regardless of the reason.  D.

Like D1211 said, it is a painless, fairly routine office procedure ( I'm having one this afternoon at my ENT visit, followup for tonsil cancer). It gives your ent a top down view of your throat, you may be asked to move your tongue or swallow. It usually only takes afew minutes. It's a quick and easy way to look for things that could be causing your symptoms, not just cancer. If they do suspect cancer, they might take a biopsy, that can be done in the Dr.'s office too.

Best wishes.

Mike

On 7/9/2008 katekate wrote:

Hello All,

I have had a few symptoms of tongue and neck cancer for awhile.  My dentist took a look at my tongue and sent me to an ENT.  I have an appointment with the ENT on Monday, but over the phone I just told her of the symptoms I have had for awhile (sore throat and spots on tongue) not the symptoms I have noticed for awhile now that I might be psychological.   Just based on the most basic symptoms she told me I should have this test done.  That makes me scared.  Has anyone had this test done and can tell me what happened?  Does it cause pain?  Is it often offered if someone is not cancerous?

As D & Mike have said, they will use a nasal spray to numb your nose and after waiting a while for it to number they will then insert the tube which will go down into your throat area.  I've had it done twice (once by radiation oncologist an once by ENT) and it is definitely more uncomfortable than it is painful. 

Diana