Classification of layered tissue phantoms for detection of changes in epithelial tissue below the surface using a stochastic decomposition model for scattered signal

This paper answers the question of whether it is possible to detect changes inside epithelium layered structures using a Stochastic Decomposition Method (SDM) [1, 2] that models the scattered light reflected from the layered structure over an area ( 2-D scan) illuminated by an optical sensor (fiber) emitting light at either one wavelength or with white light. Our technique correlates the differential changes in the reflected tissue texture with the morphological and physical changes that occur in the tissue occurring below the surface of the structure. This work has great potential in detecting changes in mucosal structures and may lead to enhanced endoscopy when the disease is developing to the below the surface and hence becoming hidden during colonoscopy or endoscopic examination. Tests are performed on layered tissue phantoms and the results obtained show great effectiveness of the model and method in picking up changes in the morphology of the layered tissue phantoms occurring below the surface (greater than 0.6mm deep).