Detection of cancer and precancerous conditions in tissues and/or cells using native fluorescence excitation spectroscopy

摘要

A method of detecting cancer or precancerous conditions in a tissue or cell using fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. According to one embodiment of the method, a tissue is tested for cancer or a precancerous condition by exciting the tissue with substantially monochromatic light at 268 nm and then at 289 nm, with the resultant native fluorescence emitted from the tissue following each excitation being measured. A ratio of the fluorescence intensities, e.g., I.sub.289 /I.sub.268, is then calculated. If I.sub.289 /I.sub.268 is greater than 1. 5, the tissue is cancerous or precancerous whereas if I.sub.289 /I.sub. 268 is less than 1. 5, the tissue is not cancerous or precancerous.