Would an ENT be able to rule out cancer of the oropharynx just by looking at the throat (no scope) and palpating glands?

Need complete exam. The oropharynx (oral part of the pharynx) reaches from the uvula to the level of the hyoid bone. Vital structures in this area that may be involved with cancer include the palate, tonsil (palatine and lingual), lateral pharyngeal wall and tongue base. A thorough head and neck exam is crucial and would include direct visualization with a fiberoptic laryngosocopy (scope).
Possibly. The nccn recommends that evaluation for oropharyngeal cancers should include a complete head and neck exam with mirror and fiberoptic exam as indicated. However, it seems unlikely that this would not include fiberoptic exam in most cases.