Biochemical assessment of human uterine cervix by micro-Raman mapping

Abstract Raman spectroscopy and mapping are capable of probing the molecular changes due to oncogenesis. Here Raman maps of cervical tissues under different pathological conditions were studied. Multivariate analytical methods were utilized to reconstruct these Raman maps and were compared with Hematoxylin and Eosin stained histological images. The maps showed clear differences between the different regions of the tissue and there were spectral changes associated with neoplasia and malignancy. A semi-quantitative biochemical modeling was carried out to quantify these spectral changes and the relative contributions of the biochemicals. This method revealed gradual biochemical changes (nucleus to cytoplasm ratio, glycogen, collagen, lipids, protein and carotene) associated with the progression of cervical cancer. These biomolecules extracted for the disease prognosis would have greater significance for cervical cancer diagnosis.