A study on the value of narrow-band imaging (NBI) for the general investigation of a high-risk population of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aims to explore the feasibility of narrow-band imaging (NBI) applied for the diagnostic screening of a high-risk population of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and increase the accuracy rate of nasopharyngeal biopsy and the diagnosis rate of early-stage patients.MethodsThe positive high-risk population of NPC to EB virus antibody was followed up. At the same time, serological screening and pharyngorhinoscopy were carried out. The specific methods were as follows: (1) all subjects received nasopharyngeal examinations through both the HD endoscopic white light mode (WL) and NBI mode, (2) nasopharyngeal biopsy was conducted on positive subjects with microscopic examination, and, finally, (3) a comparative analysis was conducted between the biopsy pathology results and microscopy results. In addition, the following comparative indicators were recorded under different modes: sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio. Then, the area under the ROC curve and the kappa coefficient were calculated.ResultsA total of 115 subjects were detected to be positive by microscopic examination under the WL mode. Among these subjects, 19 subjects were diagnosed with NPC. In addition, 24 subjects were detected to be positive by microscopic examination under the NBI mode. Among these subjects, 23 subjects were diagnosed with NPC. Under the WL mode, the specific values of the comparative indicators were as follows: sensitivity, 82.61%; specificity, 0%; and area under the ROC curve, 0.413. Furthermore, the WL mode in the diagnosis on the high-risk population of NPC exhibited poor consistency with the biopsy pathology results (kappa coefficient = − 0.069). Under the NBI mode, the specific values of the comparative indicators were as follows: sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 98.96%; and area under the ROC curve, 0.995. Furthermore, the NBI mode in the diagnosis on the high-risk population of NPC exhibited relatively satisfactory consistency with the biopsy pathology results (kappa coefficient = 0.973). Therefore, the NBI mode is significantly superior to the WL mode.ConclusionNBI endoscopic examinations should be conducted on a routine basis for high-risk populations of NPC. This can decrease the frequency of biopsies and enhance diagnostic effects.

Demographics and Economic Burden of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Inpatients

“…In conclusion, early diagnosis and treatment should be actively carried out to reduce the incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, such as strengthening the science popularization education of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, popularizing EB virus antibody test [ 22 , 23 ], conducting clinical trials of nasopharyngeal carcinoma vaccine, and improving the living habits and the quality of the ecological environment [ 3 , 24 ], especially for rural, ethnic Zhuang, and males in the 40–49-year age group patients. The future research on nasopharyngeal carcinoma will focus on exploring the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, improving the screening system [ 25 ], reducing the burden on patients, and formulating individualized treatment strategies, in order to further improve the survival rate and quality of life of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.…”

Comparison of Narrowband Imaging and White‐Light Endoscopy for Diagnosis and Screening of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

“…The studies reviewed by the cited authors used different diagnostic criteria, including vascular or mucosal abnormalities. 15,17,21,23 Thus, the cited authors suggested that NBI might be useful for diagnosis of NPC and that further work was needed. 28 Additional relevant studies have since been published.…”

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition classification of circulating tumor cells predicts clinical outcomes in progressive nasopharyngeal carcinoma

“…After discharge from the hospital post-CCRT, all patients were required to be hospitalized for follow-up review every 3 months during the first year, every 4-6 months during the second to third years, and every 12 months after the third year. The following examinations were performed at each follow-up visit: (1) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the nasopharynx, skull base, and cervical lymph nodes; (2) chest computed tomography; (3) high-definition endoscopic examination through both the white-light and narrow-band imaging modes, as described in our previous study (24); (4) ultrasound of the entire abdomen; and (5) if necessary, 18 F-FDG positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography to confirm suspected local tumor recurrence or distant relapse that could not be diagnosed by biopsy.…”