Narrow‐band imaging pattern classification in oral cavity. (14th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tirelli, Giancarlo; Marcuzzo, Alberto Vito; Boscolo Nata, Francesca
• Is Part Of: Oral diseases. Volume 24:Number 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1458
• Page End: 1467
• Publication Date: 2018-08-14
• Subjects: early diagnosis -- narrowband imaging -- oral cancer -- oral diagnosis -- oral mucosa -- precancerous conditions; Mouth -- Diseases -- Research -- Periodicals; 617.522
• DOI: 10.1111/odi.12940
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-523X

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Narrow‐band imaging is widely used in the diagnostic work‐up of oral lesions. Different oral subsites present three epithelial types (1, 2a and 2b), each with a different structure and function. The aim of this study was to analyse and describe the different vascular patterns seen on narrow‐band imaging according to oral epithelial type and histology. Materials and Methods: The narrow‐band imaging photographs of healthy, dysplastic and neoplastic oral mucosa were retrospectively reviewed and divided according to epithelial type and histology. The different narrow‐band imaging patterns were analysed, related to the clinical appearance of the specific area, accurately described and drawn by a professional designer. Results: The photographs of 302 patients were considered. Six patterns were identified: Normal mucosa exhibited different appearance in each type of epithelium; dysplastic mucosa presented the same pattern in type 1 and 2a epithelia, which differed from that of type 2b epithelium; in cancer, mucosal appearance was identical irrespective of epithelial type, due to complete vascular destruction. Conclusions: The proposed classification could serve as a guide for clinicians approaching narrowband imaging, especially at early stages of the learning curve, to differentiate normal mucosa from malignant lesions and possibly reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.