Beschreibung:
<jats:sec><jats:title>Objectives</jats:title><jats:p>Direct and indirect autofluorescence endoscopy of the larynx have proven to facilitate the detection and delineation of precancerous lesions, carcinoma in situ and cancer. The aim of the study is to evaluate spectrometric changes during autofluorescence examination in laryngeal dysplasia and cancer.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p>In a prospective study, 42 patients with suspected precancerous or cancerous lesions were investigated during microlaryngoscopy. Autofluorescence was induced by filtered blue light (375‐440 nm) of a xenon short are lamp and processed by a CCD camera system (D‐light‐AF‐system).</jats:p><jats:p>Autofluorescecne images were gathered in a contact mode. For spectrometric measurements, an optical multi channel analyzer (AVS‐USB200) was applied. Results were compared to pathohistological findings.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>Autofluorescence spectra of normal laryngeal mucosa demonstrated peaks at 475, 510, 550, 600, and 630 nm. Highest intensity was observed in the green spectrum resulting in green autofluorescence images. In precancerous and cancerous alterations of the mucosa the autofluorescence signal changed from green fluorescence to a reddish‐violet color. Highest loss of intensity was observed at 510 nm.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p>According to our results, the autofluores‐cence spectroscopy of the larynx seems to be a promising diagnostic tool for the early detection of laryngeal cancer and its precursor lesions. A difference between precancerous and cancerous laryngeal mucosa could not be detected. Scarring, marked hyperkeratosis and inflammation can limit the predictive value of the method.</jats:p></jats:sec>