Capabilities of fluorescence spectroscopy using 5-ALA and optical coherence tomography for diagnosis of neoplastic processes in the uterine cervix and vulva

摘要

A new approach for improving the diagnostic value of optical methods is suggested. It is based on the complementary use of different optical parameters of biotissues. The goal of this paper is the comparative study of the capabilities of two optical methods - fluorescence spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography - for visualization of borders of neoplastic processes in the uterine cervix and vulva. Fluorescence spectroscopy provides information on biochemical properties, and optical coherence tomography, on morphological properties of healthy and pathological tissues. Optical borders detected employing these techniques were verified histologically. The OCT and fluorescence borders of tumors are 1-4 mm farther than the colposcopically detectable borders. The borders of tumors detected by OCT are in good agreement with the results of biopsy. In 40% of cases, there were no coincident fluorescence and OCT borders of tumors. In several clinical cases, it was difficult to interpret OCT images (due to scarry, metaplastic, or acanthotic changes in the uterine cervix) and fluorescence spectroscopy data (due to inflammatory changes).