gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: Narrow band imaging is an novel optical technique that enables early detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions by identifying pathological neoangiogenic pattern of tumours. The method uses illumination of the affected mucosal lining by two narrow light bands centred at 415 and 540 nm that corresponds to the peaks of light absorption of hemoglobin. These wavelengths have defined depth of penetration into the mucosa and thus can enhance subtle capillary network and deeper lying subepithelial vessels. Because of the abnormal capillary architecture superficial mucosal lesion can be detected.

Methods: 50 consecutive patients with suspicious superficial mucosal lesions have been evaluated by means of NBI. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the diagnostic significance of NBI. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the method have been evaluated.

Results: Results of the study proved the value of the technology in In the present study we highlight the significance of this method for refinement of evaluation of tumour extension in upper aero-digestive tract (UADT), higher efficiency in detection of tumour recurrencies and screening of secondary UADT malignancies. We present also the usefulness of this method in follow-up of patients previously treated by means of radiotherapy. We also compare this technique to other existing methods used with similar intent.

Conclusion: NBI has a clear value in the detection of early mucosal lesions of the UADT regarding its very high accuracy. Especially in outpatient settings the method is very helpfull in the follow-up of cancer patients.