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Fluorescence spectroscopy: A technique with potential to improve the early detection of aerodigestive tract neoplasia
Author(s) -
Gillenwater Ann,
Jacob Rhonda,
RichardsKortum Rebecca
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199809)20:6<556::aid-hed11>3.0.co;2-o
Subject(s) - fluorescence spectroscopy , malignancy , spectroscopy , gastrointestinal tract , fluorescence , pathology , medicine , optics , physics , quantum mechanics
Background Any innovation which facilitates the early detection of neoplastic changes in upper aerodigestive tract mucosa has potential to greatly improve survival and quality of life in persons prone to develop malignancies in this area. One technology that has shown great promise during initial investigations is fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy evaluates the physical and chemical properties of tissue by analyzing the intensity and character of light emitted in the form of fluorescence. This technology has been investigated for the noninvasive detection of malignancy in various sites including the gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, and cervix. Methods This article reviews the recent work investigating the capabilities of fluorescence spectroscopy to discriminate between normal and neoplastic mucosa in the oral cavity. Also discussed are potential applications for the detection and diagnosis of premalignant and malignant lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract, and some of the obstacles to overcome to make this technology feasible. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 20: 556–562, 1998.