My ENT and RO both scope me every time I see them - even if I see them on the same day, which happened once. My ENT usually tries to use the mirrors to spare me the scope, but they always make me gag so we go with the scope. They both feel around in my mouth with their fingers and look at it as well. They both feel my neck and I love that part because it's like getting a mini-massage! My MO is the one who schedules and reads my PET scans, listens to my breathing, and does a quick exam of my mouth. He is also the one that does my blood work (or at least looks at the results from it). I think that's about everything that gets done during exams.

Andrew,
I saw my ENT today and asked about the scope and mirrors. Like Gary and Stephanie say, he said it depends on the patient.

He said some patient gag or have constriction so he has to use a scope. On others like me he said when he pulls my tongue out he can see everything to well below the vocal cords.

He has me make a hi pitched sound, I guess to keep my vocal cords open.

On another issue, my MO seldom checks my mouth or throat either. He just does the meds, orders lab and stuff. He does review everything entered in the computer system by the other doctors and techs and if something unusual shows up in their notes he takes a look.

The MO plans to release me soon.

I saw my oncologist yesterday, and it looks like this might be straightened out. He told me he wants me back in four weeks, another PET/CT in January, and after that, see the ENT. I asked if I should see the radiation oncologist, and he said it is not necessary. He and the ENT can cover the tests and exams, etc.