| Theme |
Magnifying Endoscopy -- Is It Really Necessary for All the Endoscopists? |
| Title |
Endoscopic Diagnosis in the Head and Neck Regions -- Daily Practical Endoscopy in Ambulatory Clinics |
| Author |
Hisashi Nakamura |
Department of Gastroenterology, Chofu Surgical Clinic |
| Author |
Yasuo Ohkura |
Department of Pathology, Kyorin University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yutaka Saito |
Department of Endoscopy Division, National Cancer Center Hospital |
| Author |
Kuang-I Fu |
Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Most cancers of the head and neck (H & N cancers) are diagnosed in the later stages. Until recently, only digestive endoscopy has been able to detect early cancers. The treatment of advanced stage H & N cancers is often associated with cosmetic problems, functional impairment, and poor prognoses. Recently, a newly development of endoscopic system, Narrow Band Imaging (NBI), has enabled us to detect early H & N cancers by observing enhanced angiogenesis (microcapillaries) in the neoplasm. Detection and treatment of H & N cancers in the early stages can improve the quality of life and prognosis for patients. In this article, we present techniques used in our daily practice for diagnosis of H & N cancer in the early stages, employing screening upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at an ambulatory clinic. |