Raman spectroscopy for optical diagnosis in normal and cancerous tissue of the nasopharynx-preliminary findings.
OBJECTIVE
Raman spectroscopy (RS), which can detect molecular changes associated with cancer, was explored as a means of distinguishing normal and cancerous nasopharyngeal tissue.


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.
Lau
David P
DP
Division of Otolaryngology, University of British Columbia/Vancouver General Hospital, Canada V5Z 1M9.
Huang
Zhiwei
Z
Lui
Harvey
H
Man
Chris S
CS
Berean
Ken
K
Morrison
Murray D
MD
Zeng
Haishan
H
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D046508:Culture Techniques; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009302:Nasopharyngeal Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000473:pathology*; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*