Abstract
Objective: Compare diffuse reflectance spectroscopy signature differences between malignant and nonmalignant mucosal tissue based on primary site of origin (ie, larynx, oropharynx, oral cavity).
Method: Panendoscopy with biopsy patients were eligible. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) data were obtained from the tumor site and corresponding normal tissue. Biomarker specific optical absorption data were extracted for malignant and non-malignant tissues. Specific differences in malignant and non-malignant tissues were examined based on primary site.
Results: Patients with mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were enrolled in the study. Overall, our data confirm prior findings that statistically significant differences in oxygen saturation (SO2%) (P < .01) and mean tissue scattering coefficient (MTSC) (P < .01) exist when comparing malignant and nonmalignant tissue. When stratified by anatomical site, SO2% is more indicative of malignancy than MTSC in the larynx. SO2% and MTSC are equally reflective of malignancy in the pharynx. MTSC is more indicative than SO2% for malignancy in tongue lesions.
Conclusion: DRS continues to be valid in detecting significant differences between malignant and non-malignant lesions of the head and neck. DRS biomarkers of SO2% and MTSC data differ in importance according to primary site. This research will improve the ability to detect and monitor malignant mucosal lesions.
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