AUTOFLUORESCENCE CHARACTERISTICS OF ORAL-MUCOSA

Background. The fluorescence characteristics of tissues depend upon th eir biochemical composition and histomorphological architecture, both of which undergo a change during malignant transformation. These chang es are detectable as an alteration in the fluorescence spectral profil e of the tissues. Methods. Biopsy specimens from clinically suspicious lesions and normal-appearing oral mucosa were obtained from patients. Fluorescence spectroscopic measurements were obtained to study the di fferences between normal and dysplastic tissues and to determine the m ost appropriate excitation wavelength(s) for exploiting these differen ces. Results. Fluorescence spectra from a total of 12 histologically n ormal (healthy mucosa or benign lesions) and ten abnormal (dysplastic or malignant) tissue samples were compared. Significant spectral diffe rences were seen between the two groups. These differences were most m arked at the excitation wavelength of 410 nm. Using this wavelength, f luorescence correctly diagnosed 20 of 22 samples studied. Conclusions. This technique accurately differentiates normal from abnormal tissues in vitro and has the potential applications for in vivo use as a noni nvasive diagnostic tool. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.