Detection and localization of early laryngeal cancer with laser-induced fluorescence: preliminary report

Differences in autofluorescence between normal and malignant tissues offer new possibilities for detecting and localizing early laryngeal carcinomas. In the present study imaging was performed using a specially designed device that exploits differences in fluorescent properties of normal and cancerous tissues without photodynamic drugs. Fluorescence was induced by a helium-cadmium laser, captured by an image-intensified camera and displayed on a video monitor after previous computerization. Thirty patients were evaluated, of whom 18 had suspect malignancies. Laryngoscopic appearances during standard microlaryngoscopy were compared to fluorescence images, computerized fluorescence intensities and histopathological findings. The experience from this study shows that autofluorescence laryngoscopy may be a useful complementary method for detecting laryngeal malignancies.