The use of examination under anaesthesia and panendoscopy in patients presenting with oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Although examination under anaesthesia and panendoscopy (EUAP) has traditionally been used in the assessment of patients presenting with oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the era of modern medicine with its advanced imaging techniques has meant that the indications for this technique have potentially reduced.


METHODS
In an attempt to quantify the current use of EUAP in the UK, a structured telephone questionnaire was undertaken of 50 maxillofacial units. Information was gathered regarding whether the technique was adopted on a routine or selective basis. Likewise perceived disadvantages were sought.


RESULTS
Twenty-two units (44%) carried out EUAP on all patients presenting with oral cavity and oropharyngeal SCC. Of the remaining 28 units, all employed EUAP on a selective basis, the most commonly for the assessment of the primary tumour. The most common perceived disadvantage of carrying out EUAP routinely was its potential to increase the waiting time to definitive treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest a gradual move towards the selective use of EUAP in patients presenting with oral cavity and oropharyngeal SCC.
Kerawala
Cyrus J
CJ
Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK. c.kerawala@boltblue.com
Bisase
Brian
B
Lee
Jon
J
D000758:Anesthesia; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D014850:Waiting Lists
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