Ultraviolet 2-D fluorescence mapping system for the imaging of head and neck tumors

Fluorescence images of ex vivo head and neck tissues were acquired at multiple combinations of emission and excitation wavelengths. The wavelength combinations were selected to map different tissue molecules and structures whose fluorescence signatures have been used to detect cancer. Fluorescence maps were generated by ratioing fluorescence image intensities. These ratio maps enhanced the ability to recognize regions of tumor and other features in tissues. Histopathological analysis was performed on the tissue samples. Location and shape of features observed in the fluorescence images were correlated with structures observed in histopathology.