Why would my ENT want to do a throat cancer test right away before any other test?

Question

I have been experiencing recurring pain in my lower jaw that turns into pain in my throat. I went to my ENT who scheduled a Transnasal Fiberoptic Layrngoscopy. I thought he would test for strep or tonsilitis, but he didn't. Now I'm really freaking out here thinking I may have cancer. Is it normal for a Dr. to do this kind of test first? Should I be as worried as I am? I go for the test on Oct. 5. I have no one in my family I can burden with this until I get the results so thank you in advance for any advice you may give me.

Thank you for the answers, but Sam--I know what the procedure entails and a biopsy is the next step. I've done the research.
Happydawg-Shame on you! I came here because I am confused and scared and you tell me I'm being silly! As an RN you should have more compassion.

Answer 1

I would get a second opinion before proceeding, if it's possible for you to do so.

Answer 2

You are freaking out over nothing. When there is pain in your throat, its the 1st thing they do is to numb your nose and your throat and then poke a small fiberoptic looking tube thru your nose and down into the back of your throat. It has a lite on the end.
Stop that panicing right now.
He is going to look into the back part of your throat and have you say "OOOOhhh" and "AAAAhhh"
to see if your vocal cords are doing what they are supposed to do and see if he sees infection, lesions, or any other reason for you to be having the pain. You are being silly. How else do you expect him to see back there?
I am a nurse and they bring a suitcase with this equipment to the floor I work on to look into the back of throats of pts who have thrush and other things to see their progress.
RN x 12 yrs.

Answer 3

Is that what he said? That he was testing you for cancer? Maybe you should do a little research first on what a TFL is - in simple terms, the doctor will stick a tiny camera through your nose and into your throat. This will give him an actual view of your throat to see what is present (e.g., vocal nodules, lesions, etc.) The only way to test for cancer is to scrap cells and have the cells look at, and that is not what a TFL does.

Answer 4

There is a new procedure called a "Brush Biopsy" that is as simple to do as a PAP Smear. I don't know how commonly it is being used now, but it is just a screening test. The manufacturer and some professional groups are promoting it to beat the band and your doctor may have incorporated it into his routine examination.