title: Fluorescence confocal endomicroscopy of the cervix: pilot study on the potential and limitations for clinical implementation.
abstract: Current diagnostic capabilities and limitations of fluorescence endomicroscopy in the cervix are assessed by qualitative and quantitative image analysis. Four cervical tissue types are investigated: normal columnar epithelium, normal and precancerous squamous epithelium, and stromal tissue. This study focuses on the perceived variability within and the subtle differences between the four tissue groups in the context of endomicroscopic in vivo pathology. Conclusions are drawn on the general ability to distinguish and diagnose tissue types, on the need for imaging depth control to enhance differentiation, and on the possible risks for diagnostic misinterpretations.
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Department of Integrative Oncology, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada.
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schlosser
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Department of Integrative Oncology, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada.
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bodenschatz
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Department of Integrative Oncology, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada.
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.affiliation: University of British Columbia, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada.
authors.forename: Marette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: University of British Columbia, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada.
authors.forename: Jessica N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: McAlpine
authors.affiliation: University of British Columbia, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada.
authors.forename: Dianne M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Cancer Agency, Department of Pathology, 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada.
authors.forename: Dirk J T
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Van Niekerk
authors.affiliation: Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, One Brookdale Plaza, Brooklyn, New York 11212, United States.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Follen
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Department of Integrative Oncology, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada.
authors.forename: Martial
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guillaud
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Department of Integrative Oncology, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada.
authors.forename: Calum E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: MacAulay
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Department of Integrative Oncology, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada.
authors.forename: Pierre M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Lane
mesh_terms: D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D065310:Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging