Laryngoscopy

You will have this done if the doctor sees anything unusual in your throat, or cannot see the larynx clearly with the nasendoscope.

You need to have a general anaesthetic for the test. This allows the doctor to examine the larynx using a laryngoscope. A laryngoscope is a thin, metal tube with a light on the end. The doctor passes the laryngoscope down your throat, to look at the larynx closely. They may also take photos using a camera that is attached to the tube.

During the laryngoscopy, the doctor takes a small sample of cells or tissue (biopsy) from any abnormal looking areas. This is the most important test to diagnose laryngeal cancer.

A doctor called a pathologist will examine the sample under a microscope and check for cancer cells. It may take about 7 to 10 days for your results to come back.