Comparison of In Vivo Study of Co-Polarized and Cross-Polarized Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Co-Minus Cross-Polarized Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Diagnose Precancerous Cervical Lesions by Handheld Probe

BackgroundIn 2020, the number of new cases of cervix uteri was 604,127, i.e., 3.1% of all cancers, and the number of deaths was 341,831 (3.3%) among both sexes. In vivo fluorescence spectroscopy is an emerging optical technology that offers promise for the diagnosis of disease & has the capability to quickly, noninvasively and quantitatively probe the biochemical and morphological changes that occur as tissue becomes dysplastic.Materials and MethodA cross-sectional observational study was conducted from December 2019 to September 2021 in the OBGY Department, UISEMH, in collaboration with optical imaging laboratory, BIOPHOTONICS, IIT Kanpur. A fabricated in-house fluorescence spectroscope consisting of a laser diode (405 nm) as light source and a miniature spectrometer is used to detect fluorescence signal from the sample. Patient's cervix was examined in the OPD, using an optical handheld probe, which functions on the principle of polarized fluorescence spectroscopy. The tissues were examined and classified on the basis of varying patterns of polarized spectroscopy (co-polarized, cross-polarized and co-minus cross-polarized light). The results were compared with that of cytological, colposcopy and histopathological findings and on various demographic variables.Results and ConclusionIn vivo handheld probe based on polarized fluorescence spectroscopy is an excellent screening technique. Co- and cross- polarized light has shown enhanced accuracy. Accuracy of co-minus cross-polarized light is poor. It is fast, noninvasive and quantitative and, with further developments, has the potential to become a regular screening tool in future.