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Rhinoscope

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Rhinoscope
Nasal speculum
OPS-301 code1-612

A rhinoscope (or nasoscope) is a thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the nose. A rhinoscope has a light and a lens for viewing and may have a tool to remove tissue.

Photo of rhinoscope used to visualise the nasopharynx and oropharynx through the nose
Endoscopic rhinoscope

Types

Rhinoscopy is performed by two procedures.

  • Anterior rhinoscopy using a nasal speculum
  • Posterior rhinoscopy using an endoscopic rhinoscope

Anterior rhinoscopy

In anterior rhinoscopy, the rhinoscope is advanced through the nose to examine the nasal cavity.

Posterior rhinoscopy

In posterior rhinoscopy, the endoscope is advanced through the mouth to examine the back of the nasal cavity above the soft palate, and can be used to visualise the oropharynx below that.

Structures seen in posterior rhinoscopy: posterior border of nasal septum, fossa of Roosenmuller, eustachian tube opening and upper surface of soft palate.

References

  • "Rhinoscopy"[1], The College of Veterinary Medicine/UT, retrieved Feb. 2013.
  • Rhinoscope entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from Dictionary of Cancer Terms. U.S. National Cancer Institute.