RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), with a magnification of up to 1000â×, offers the possibility to visualize intercellular spaces in vivo. CLE has already established itself in different disciplines. This article gives an overview of the current research on CLE in the diagnosis of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic bibliographic research in the following online databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Thompson Reuters Web of Science, SPIE using the following keywords: confocal laser endomicroscopy, CLE, endomicroscopy, head and neck, larynx. Evaluation of the scientific relevance according to defined criteria. RESULTS: All studies were analyzed concerning the clinical application, clinical findings, and computer-aided data processing. CONCLUSIONS: The recently published data suggest that CLE has a high potential to improve the diagnosis of malignant mucosal lesions in the upper aerodigestive tract.