Nasofibroscopy is a visual exploration of the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx. Painless and quick, it is a very short exam that lasts 1 to 2 minutes. The ENT doctor introduces a fine optical fiber into one of the patient’s nostrils, which he guides into the back of the throat using various anatomical landmarks. It is used as a first-line examination for screening for nasal sinus adenocarcinoma or in the diagnosis of certain pathologies, especially in children.

Nasofibroscopy is a visual exploration of all the anatomical structures of the nasal cavities (septum, turbinates, mucosa), pharynx and larynx. It is performed as a routine examination in a hospital environment or in a doctor’s office by an otolaryngologist (ENT).

Before a nasofibroscopy

The examination does not require any special preparation, and it does not require anesthesia. The nasofibroscopy takes place in the consultation chair of an ENT doctor. The practitioner explains the principle of the examination to the patient to limit his untimely movements during the procedure. 

Procedure for nasofibroscopy

Painless and quick, it is a very short exam that lasts 1 to 2 minutes. The ENT doctor introduces a fine optical fiber with a camera into one of the patient’s nostrils, which he guides into the back of the throat using various anatomical landmarks.

ENT successively explores:

• The nasal septum, the septum that separates the two nostrils;
• The floor, the lower wall of the nasal cavity;
• The upper wall;
• The side wall;
• The three turbinates, small bony blades rolled up on themselves;
• The meatus, the spaces that separate the cones;
• The pharynx;
• And the larynx.

Nasofibroscopy makes it possible to identify pathologies in the areas explored, in particular all benign or malignant lesions, abscesses, infections, inflammation of the mucous membrane and foreign bodies.

It can be performed as a first-line examination. Nasofibroscopy is particularly recommended by the National Research and Safety Institute (Inrs) as a screening tool for nasosinus adenocarcinoma in workers exposed or who have been exposed to wood dust.

Nasofibroscopy can also be performed as part of the diagnosis of the following pathologies:

• Gastroesophageal reflux in children;
• Laryngeal stridor, a benign newborn condition characterized by sharp noisy inspiration;
• Laryngeal dyspnea (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath) in infants;
• Dysphonia, a change in the voice that can interfere with speech delivery;
• A swallowing disorder;
• Nasal obstruction.

Finally, nasofibroscopy can also be performed when there is a suspicion of cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract, the first symptoms of which are nosebleeds, ear pain, a feeling of blocked ears, discomfort when swallowing, a change the tone of the voice or the appearance of a lump in the neck.

Nasofibroscopy makes it possible to visualize the anatomical structures of the nasal cavities. It provides information on:

• The permeability of the nasal airways;
• The permeability of the openings between the nasal cavities and the sinuses (meatus);
• The presence of inflammatory formations (polyps);
• The presence of tumor formation;
• A neurological disorder of the pharyngolaryngeal junction; (paralysis of the pharynx and / or larynx).

At the time of swallowing, it also makes it possible to observe indirect signs of dysfunction of the upper esophageal muscle and to visualize possible false routes.