Current Advances in Optical Screening for Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Optical techniques play an important role in biomedical applications initiated by the advent of new optical gadgets like CCD, optic fibres and other optical technologies including lasers. This unprecedented growth in diverse optical modalities in turn aided a renaissance in the field of optical spectroscopy for cervical cancer diagnosis. From hyperspectral imaging to mass screening, various researchers are spearheaded to take these techniques from bench-side to bedside. These technologies offer techniques from mass screening to obtaining high-resolution in vivo, real-time images, with a very high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, optical techniques can be noninvasive, offer high spatial resolution and have the ability to provide better information than conventional techniques owing to their biomolecular sensitivity. With all these advantages, optical techniques have progressed to a formidable position for combating cervical cancer. Hence this chapter aims to throw light on the various optical techniques and their perspectives in tackling cervical cancer.