Abstract:Terahertz waves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 10 THz. These waves possess unique properties, including non-ionizing, non-invasive characteristics, high resolution, and the ability to identify molecular fingerprints through spectroscopic analysis. This paper provides an overview of the fundamental principles of terahertz technology and explores its applications in the biomedical field. We summarize advancements in terahertz-based technique in otolaryngology-head and neck surgical area, with emphasis on its advantages in pathogen identification, otitis media detection, early-stage tumor diagnosis, and assessment of lymph node metastasis. Building on these findings, we examine its implementations in otolaryngology along with potential factors influencing diagnostic accuracy in this field. Future prospects for terahertz technology in otolaryngology are discussed as well.
