Autofluorescence Techniques for Early Detection of Head and Neck Cancers: literature review and comparative analysis

Head and neck cancers (HNC), a significant global health concern, are often diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in high mortality rates despite advancements in treatment. Current diagnostic techniques for HNC, including histopathological examination and imaging, provide detailed insights but are limited in their ability to detect early, precancerous changes. In response, autofluorescence techniques, have emerged as promising non-invasive tools for early detection in cancers. These methods leverage the auto fluorescent properties of endogenous tissue fluorophores, such as collagen and NADH, which vary between healthy and malignant tissues. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of autofluorescence-based approaches for HNC detection, detailing the principles, instrumentation, and efficacy in differentiating cancerous tissues from healthy ones. By comparing autofluorescence techniques to traditional diagnostic methods, we highlight the advantages of autofluorescence for early diagnosis, which could enhance survival rates by enabling timely intervention. This paper also discusses the limitations, potential applications, and future directions of autofluorescence in clinical settings, underscoring its role in advancing HNC screening and diagnostic practices.