Prospective cohort study assessing patient satisfaction and diagnostic accuracy in channeled endoscope local anesthetic biopsy in the investigation of head and neck cancer

Background: There are delays in the head and neck Urgent Suspicion of Cancer (USOC) pathway. Local anesthetic (LA) biopsy with channeled endoscopes in outpatients can reduce time to diagnosis.

Methods: Questionnaire-based prospective study of LA or general anesthetic (GA) biopsy for investigation of cancer from September 2021 to July 2022.

Results: 100% (n = 48) were very satisfied or satisfied with their overall experience. 71% (n = 20) of LA patients reported they would prefer to have a biopsy under LA. LA biopsy was 68% sensitive and 100% specific for cancer diagnosis. 28.6% (8) and 10% (2) of LA and GA patients had palliative MDT outcomes. Median time to diagnosis was 44.5 and 49.0 days for LA and GA biopsy, respectively.

Conclusion: LA biopsy had a high satisfaction rate and is sensitive for diagnosing cancer. LA biopsy can expedite treatment pathways. LA biopsy should be considered as an option for first line investigation.