Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
One-Stop Throat and Virtual Neck Lump Clinic Shortens Diagnostic Work-Up for Head and Neck Cancer
Woo-Young Yang1,2, Zakariya Sattar1, Celine Iswarya Partha Sarathi2
1ENT Department, New Cross Hospital, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK.
Background:
Diagnostic work-up for head and neck cancer requires is a complex process that can cause delay and lead to poorer outcomes. Utilizing multilayer pre-clinic risk-stratification, direct-to-test ultrasonography, parallel investigations, and local anesthetic (LA) throat biopsy can expedite treatment decisions.
Methods:
All suspected head and neck cancer referrals before (n = 802) and after (n = 1417) implementing a one-stop throat/virtual neck lump clinic were analyzed for changes in time from referral to cancer treatment decision.
Results:
Mean referral-to-decision time improved from 52.4 to 34.8 days (p < 0.001). Time to diagnostic ultrasonography improved (mean 23 to 11 days from referral). General anesthetic throat biopsies decreased by 35%. Sixty-eight percent of patients with throat lesions underwent LA biopsies on the same day. Fourteen percent of patients were safely downgraded for slower reviews with no missed cancer.
Conclusion:
A multilayer risk-stratified one-stop throat/virtual neck lump clinic expedites treatment decisions for head and neck cancer and improves resource utilization.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:22Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...