The Role of Narrow Band Imaging in Head and Neck Cancers

Early diagnosis of malignant tumors in the head and neck region is very difficult. Therefore, endoscopic systems with narrow band imaging (NBI), which enhances image contrast, have an important clinical value in detecting superficial mucosal lesions. In particular, highlighting of the intraepithelial microvasculature helps determine the nature of the lesion. This new image-enhanced technology already has proven effective in the early diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and oral cancers, as well as of unknown primary cervical lymph node metastasis. NBI laryngoscopy can be applied easily in clinical practice and has become a valuable tool in diagnosing head and neck cancers early, providing the option of minimally invasive treatment such as endoscopic or partial surgical resection.