Ultrasound-Guided Needle Biopsy for Diagnosis of Advanced-Stage Malignancies of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract

Traditionally, direct laryngoscopy confirms stage and tissue diagnosis prior to treatment planning. Patients who are frail or have tenuous airway anatomy may incur risks while undergoing anesthesia. Further, direct laryngoscopy is scheduled after initial examination, introducing diagnosis delay. This study investigates the impact of ultrasound examination with guided needle biopsy compared with traditional operative biopsy