[Endosonography of the pharynx]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Conventional endosonography faces challenges in examining deeper pharyngeal areas due to probe placement limitations.
• Oral cavity tumors are often assessed using endosonography, but the pharynx presents unique accessibility issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a modified endosonography probe designed for improved access to deeper pharyngeal regions.
• To assess the efficacy of this new technique in diagnosing various pharyngeal tumors and tonsillar abscesses.

Main Methods:

• A fingertip ultrasonography probe was attached to a flexible, jointed stick for enhanced maneuverability in the pharynx.
• The modified probe was used in 48 patients with pharyngeal tumors (posterior/lateral walls, tonsil, piriform sinus, nasopharynx) and 32 patients with suspected tonsillar abscesses.

Main Results:

• Excellent visualization of tumor spread and relationship to the internal carotid artery was achieved for posterior and lateral pharyngeal wall tumors.
• Investigation of piriform sinus and nasopharyngeal tumors was difficult, with limitations in determining tumor growth.
• The sensitivity for diagnosing tonsillar abscesses was 84%, and retropharyngeal lymph nodes were detected in four cases.

Conclusions:

• Modified endosonography is a valuable tool for evaluating tumors on the lateral and posterior pharyngeal walls, aiding treatment approach decisions.
• The technique shows limitations in diagnosing tonsillar abscesses but may assist in complex clinical scenarios.