Transoral endoscopic examination of head and neck region.

Transoral endoscopy with narrow band imaging (NBI) is useful for early detection of head and neck (HN) cancer. However, the lateral and anterior walls of the oropharynx, postcricoid area, and posterior wall of the hypopharynx are difficult to observe using transoral endoscopy. Advanced cancers in these regions may be missed even when NBI is used. This report highlights a method of transoral endoscopic examination of the HN region. For observation of the oral cavity and oropharynx, it is important to observe these regions without using a mouthpiece. Wide opening of the mouth facilitates observation of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Moreover, visibility of the oropharynx, including the anterior wall, is dramatically improved, when the patient positions the tongue forward and says 'aaah.' This technique also facilitates observation of the dorsum of the tongue, which is difficult to observe from a tangential view when using a mouthpiece. To observe the hypopharynx, the Valsalva maneuver is very useful. Patient cooperation is important when observing the HN region thoroughly to gain clear endoscopic views. Narcotic drugs, such as pethidine hydrochloride, are ideal for conscious sedation and reduce the gag reflex while still allowing patient cooperation. From the oral cavity to the hypopharynx, including the lateral and anterior walls of the oropharynx, postcricoid area, and posterior wall of the hypopharynx, most of the HN region can be observed during routine examination using transoral endoscopy without any special devices.

Review of oral and pharyngolaryngeal benign lesions detected during esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Recent advancements in endoscopy equipment have facilitated endoscopists' detection of neoplasms in the oral cavity and pharyngolaryngeal regions. In particular, image-enhanced endoscopy using narrow band imaging or blue laser imaging play an integral role in the endoscopic diagnosis of oral and pharyngolaryngeal cancers. Despite these advancements, limited studies have focused on benign lesions that can be observed during esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the oral and pharyngolaryngeal regions. Therefore, this mini-review aimed to provide essential information on such benign lesions, along with representative endoscopic images of dental caries, cleft palate, palatal torus, bifid uvula, compression by cervical osteophytes, tonsil hyperplasia, black hairy tongue, oral candidiasis, oral and pharyngolaryngeal ulcers, pharyngeal melanosis, oral tattoos associated with dental alloys, retention cysts, papilloma, radiation-induced changes, skin flaps, vocal cord paresis, and vocal fold leukoplakia. Whilst it is imperative to seek consultation from otolaryngologists or dentists in instances where the diagnosis cannot be definitively ascertained by endoscopists, the merits of attaining foundational expertise pertaining to oral and pharyngolaryngeal lesions are unequivocal. This article will be a valuable resource for endoscopists seeking to enhance their understanding of oral and pharyngolaryngeal lesions.