[Noninvasive imaging using autofluorescence endoscopy: Value for the early detection of laryngeal cancer].

BACKGROUND:Autofluorescence endoscopy is able to delineate malignancy from normal tissue by color change. The objective of the present study was to assess the value of this noninvasive imaging method for the early detection of laryngeal cancer and its precursor lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS:In a prospective study, 152 patients with a laryngeal lesion who were undergoing microlaryngoscopy were investigated. Autofluorescence endoscopy was performed after conventional white light endoscopy, just before excisional biopsy was carried out for histologic verification. RESULTS:In the early detection of laryngeal cancer and its precursor lesions, autofluorescence endoscopy showed a significantly higher sensitivity (98 vs. 88%) and accuracy (97 vs. 90%) than white light endoscopy alone, whereas the specificity (97 vs. 93%) was essentially equal in both methods. CONCLUSION:Autofluorescence endoscopy qualifies as a simple screening procedure for rapid detection of suspicious lesions and assessment of their horizontal extension. This allows for guided biopsy or tumor resection, and can also be used in oncological follow-up.