Raman spectroscopy for optical diagnosis in normal and cancerous tissue of the nasopharynx—preliminary findings

✍ Scribed by David P. Lau; Zhiwei Huang; Harvey Lui; Chris S. Man; Ken Berean; Murray D. Morrison; Haishan Zeng

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 102 KB
• Volume: 32
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0196-8092
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.10084

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Raman spectroscopy (RS), which can detect molecular changes associated with cancer, was explored as a means of distinguishing normal and cancerous nasopharyngeal tissue.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

Tissue from six patients with normal and cancerous biopsies was studied using a rapid acquisition Raman spectrometer.

Results

Spectra were obtainable within 5 seconds. Consistent differences were noted between normal and cancer tissue in three bands 1,290–1,320 cm^−1^ (P = 0.005), 1,420–1,470 cm^−1^ (P = 0.006), and 1,530–1,580 cm^−1^ (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Spectral differences appear to exist between normal and cancerous nasopharyngeal tissue. The ability to obtain spectra rapidly supports the potential for future in vivo application. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:210–214, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.