In vivo and ex vivo high-resolution evaluation of neoplastic tissues with optical coherence tomography

Summary form only given. Early diagnosis of neoplasia is often critical to improving patient prognosis and successful treating cancer. The imaging capabilities of optical coherence tomography (OCT) make it a promising tool for the early detection of neoplastic changes. Previous studies have evaluated OCT and have demonstrated that microstructural changes associated with neoplasia can be identified. These initial findings are very promising and warrant further consideration. The dysplastic human cervix is an excellent model system to systematically investigate and quantitatively evaluate OCT. It is accessible and exhibits well defined pathology, progression and endpoints. Markers of dysplasia and cancer can be identified in the OCT images and their diagnostic utility evaluated. Conclusions can be drawn from studies of the cervix which can be generalized to other epithelial cancers.