Use of endoscopy with narrow band imaging system in evaluating oral leukoplakia

Background. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between clinical features of oral leukoplakia using endoscopy with broadband white light, narrow-band imaging (NBI) illumination, and histopathology, and to discuss the clinical relevance of the NBI system. Methods. Clinicopathologic data of patients receiving biopsy or excision after endoscopic examination for leukoplakia from April 2009 to December 2010 were reviewed and analyzed statistically. Results. A total 154 patients, 130 men and 24 women (average age, 52.60 ± 10.86 years) were enrolled. The correlation between intraepithelium papillary capillary loop (IPCL) classification and stepwise increased severity of pathology (Pearson's r = .88, R² = 0.78) was significantly better than that of broadband white light images (p < .001). Conclusions. Flexible endoscopy can enhance detailed inspection of oral cavity mucosa and can be a powerful tool for examining oral leukoplakia. The IPCL patterns shown by NBI system can be helpful in detecting oral leukoplakia with higher grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma.