Fluorescence and Reflectance Spectroscopy for Detection of Oral Dysplasia and Cancer

The development and progression of neoplasia in the oral cavity lead to measurable changes in the optical properties of oral tissue. These alterations can be detected using noninvasive optical techniques, potentially aiding in early detection and diagnosis. Various spectroscopic methods have been reported for detection of oral dysplasia and cancer. This chapter focuses on fluorescence spectroscopy, in which narrowband illumination light is used to excite endogenous fluorophores, and reflectance spectroscopy, in which broadband (white) illumination light is used to interrogate the elastic scattering properties and absorption properties of tissue.