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 vivo exposure of normal and malignant tissue to He-Cd laser (442 nm) radiation, Spectral distribution of tissue natural fluorescence allowed for the development of simple algorithms, based on spectral intensity variations. A subsequent index of discrimination between normal and various malignant tissues has been calculated, This study focuses on the variability of the experimental data and the possible sources of spectral variations, These results suggest that monitoring of this index during colposcopy could enhance selective detection of the malignant tissue, reducing the risk of leaving pathologic tissue untreated during standard exploratory surgical procedures. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.