The Diagnosis of NPC Using the Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy

The Diagnosis of the Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Head and Neck by Using the Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy

To evaluate the use of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) in human nasopharyngeal mucosa for the differentiation of the nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.

The aim of this study was to depict the applicability of pCLE examinations for diagnosing NPC in comparison to the gold standard of histopathological examination, as well as developed an easy-to-use and straightforward scoring system for the identification of NPC on the basis of morphological and architectural criteria in order to enable a valid and reproducible CLE assessment even for non-experts in their daily clinical practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female > 18 years of age
2. Indicated for nasal endoscope for indeterminate NPC
3. Willing and able to comply with study procedures and provide written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects for whom pCLE procedures are contraindicated
2. Known allergy to fluorescein dye
3. If female, pregnant based on a positive hCG serum or an in vitro diagnostic test result or breast-feeding