Techniques in Otolaryngology: Ultrasound-Guided Transcervical Fine-Needle Aspiration of Laryngeal Masses

Abstract

Traditionally, laryngeal masses are diagnosed with direct laryngoscopy with biopsy under general anesthesia. The use of transcervical ultrasound–guided fine-needle aspiration for the diagnosis of base of tongue lesions, thyroid nodules, and cervical lymph node metastases has been well documented, and its use in the diagnosis of laryngeal masses has increased in recent years. We report a technique for office-based transcervical ultrasound–guided fine-needle aspiration for laryngeal masses without cervical metastasis (N0), with outcomes from 6 patients. Benefits of this approach included limited side effects, rapid in-office diagnosis, avoidance of aerosolizing procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and avoidance of tracheostomy.