Diagnosis of upper aerodigestive tract tumours using autofluorescence endoscopy in south east asian patients

Objectives: Autofluorescence is a highly sensitive, and specific, complementary diagnostic tool for the photodiagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Together with ease of use, these properties suggest that autofluorescence, used alongside white light endoscopy, could be a promising tool for the screening of high-risk populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness in detecting tumours involving the upper aerodigestive tract, in comparison with histopathologic examination. Methodology: A cross-sectional prospective study was carried out from June 2011 till March 2012. Forty-five patients with clinical evidence of suspicious lesions involving the upper aerodigestive tract were enrolled and examined using conventional white light, and autofluorescence endoscopy. A biopsy of each lesion was subsequently submitted for histopathologic examination. Results: Using histology as our gold standard, we compared the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of autofluorescence endoscopy in detecting upper aerodigestive tract tumours. In comparison to histopathologic examination, the sensitivity of autofluorescence endoscopy was 95%, with a specificity of 74% (P value <0.001). The positive and negative predictive values were 78%, and 94% respectively. These data confiim a statistically significant correlation between autofluorescence and histopathologic diagnoses. Conclusions: Autofluorescence endoscopy was effective in detecting upper aerodigestive tract tumours, with excellent discrimination between benign and malignant phenotypes;this methodology is an ideal adjunct to white light endoscopy.