SPECTRAL VARIATIONS OF LASER-INDUCED TISSUE EMISSION DURING IN-VIVO DETECTION OF MALIGNANCIES IN THE FEMALE GENITAL-TRACT

A laser-based fluorescence-guided biopsy system has been developed for the screening and early detection of malignancies in the female inner /outer genital tract. Fluorescence spectra were recorded during in viv o exposure of normal and malignant tissue to He-Cd laser (442 nm) radi ation, Spectral distribution of tissue natural fluorescence allowed fo r the development of simple algorithms, based on spectral intensity va riations. A subsequent index of discrimination between normal and vari ous malignant tissues has been calculated, This study focuses on the v ariability of the experimental data and the possible sources of spectr al variations, These results suggest that monitoring of this index dur ing colposcopy could enhance selective detection of the malignant tiss ue, reducing the risk of leaving pathologic tissue untreated during st andard exploratory surgical procedures. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.