Role of Narrow Band Imaging in Detection of Premalignant and Suspicious Malignant Lesions of Oral Cavity, Oropharynx and Larynx: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) in the early detection of premalignant and suspicious malignant lesions of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx, and to assess the correlation between NBI findings and histopathological diagnosis. Material and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal, from January 2024 to October 2025. Ninety-six patients presenting with suspicious lesions of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx were included. All patients underwent clinical examination followed by conventional white light endoscopy and Narrow Band Imaging evaluation. NBI findings were interpreted using intraepithelial papillary capillary loop (IPCL) patterns. Biopsy specimens from suspicious lesions were subjected to histopathological examination, which served as the gold standard. Diagnostic accuracy indices including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy were calculated. Results: Among the 96 study participants, males constituted the majority of cases. Tobacco use, smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel nut chewing were the predominant risk factors. The oral cavity was the most common site of involvement, followed by the larynx and oropharynx. Histopathology revealed benign lesions, dysplastic lesions, carcinoma in situ, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. NBI demonstrated high diagnostic performance in identifying premalignant and malignant lesions. Higher-grade IPCL patterns showed strong correlation with dysplasia and invasive carcinoma on histopathology. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of NBI in detecting malignant and premalignant lesions were found to be significantly superior to conventional white light examination. Conclusion: Narrow Band Imaging is a reliable, non-invasive, and effective adjunctive diagnostic modality for early detection of premalignant and suspicious malignant lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract. NBI improves visualisation of mucosal vascular patterns, facilitates targeted biopsy, and enhances diagnostic accuracy, thereby contributing to early diagnosis and improved patient management.
Authors: Iqra Fatima, Smita Soni, Kirti YK, Sushant Modi
Institution: Hamidia Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7211879501