Fluorescence imaging (Auto and Enhanced)

Abstract

The earlier a tumor of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) gets diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis. Unfortunately, however, early lesions tend to remain silent for a long period, which often delays the first presentation to a medical professional, so about two-thirds of UADT cancers are first detected at an advanced tumor stage. Extensive screening programs of patients at risk might be helpful to ameliorate the situation. However, even if those individuals with premalignant or early invasive lesions do see a medical doctor or other trained care worker, misdiagnosis is still possible due to the following reasons.