Background New diagnostic techniques have dramatically increased the detection of superficial pharyngeal cancer. However, some patients cannot be examined using transoral esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at otorhinolaryngeal sites due to their gag reflex. On the other hand, Transnasal EGD can be performed comfortably because of its attenuation of the gag reflex. This procedure has thus been progressing, and a new endoscope(model Eg-530NW, FUJI FILM, Tokyo, Japan) was introduced at the beginning of July of 2009. The endoscope is a transnasal endoscope that provides high quality endoscopic image of a field view 140°.
Objectives:To evaluate the diagnostic value of transnasal EGD using a FICE system in detecting another primary head and neck cancers in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) or head and neck cancer(HNC) during the screening of the oral cavity and the Valsalva maneuver.
Subjects and Methods:Three hundred seventeen EC or HNC patients (EC 274, HNC 112, EC combined with HNC 69) underwent transnasal EGD screening with both a white light and an FICE system between October 2009 and October 2011. The Valsalva maneuver and screening of the oral cavity was also performed. The pyriform fossae balloons, and the endoscope is inserted in front of the upper esophageal sphincter, and the postcricoid region and posterior of the hypopharynx are continuously observed. The FICE system enables easily observation of the presense of scattered brown dots to diagnose superficial cancers.
Results A total of 34 superficial cancers were found in 26 patients (8.2%) by transnasal EGD. In particular, 21 primary hypopharyngeal cancers were detected in this study. In addition, four cases of mesopharyngeal cancer, four cases of the floor of the mouth, and three cases of soft palate, buccal mucosa and larynx in one case were found. Fifteen of those cases were determined to have intraepithelial neoplasia.
Conclusion Therefore, transnasal endoscopy may become the standard examination modality for the screening of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx.
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