The use of Raman fluorescence spectroscopy in the express diagnostics of laryngeal cancer – A.B. Timurzieva, V.I. Popadyuk, V.A. Duvanskiy

Introduction. Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common types of head and neck malignant tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck of various localizations, including the larynx, is especially common. Every year, a large number of people die of late-stage cancer due to untimely medical attention. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is no exception. The search for optical diagnostic methods that allow identifying the tumor development at its early stage is one of the most important directions for clinical medicine and public health in general. Raman fluorescence medical technologies can provide such methods. The aim of the study: To provide a scientific and practical rationale for the use of Raman fluorescence spectroscopy in the early diagnostics of laryngeal cancer. Material and methods. A total of 83 patients with a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer were examined. The spectra of the intact laryngeal mucosa, the anatomical structures of the larynx in cancer and precancer were analyzed. Individual features of Raman bands and fluorescence signals were evaluated for normal epithelium, dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. To correlate the Raman fluorescence spectroscopy data, pathological examination was used. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the method. A laser setup using both fluorescence and Raman components, with a wavelength of 532 nm, was used to take spectra. Measurements were taken immediately after removal of the laryngeal tissue (1-5 seconds) involved in the malignant process. Results. Using Raman fluorescence spectroscopy, individual spectral characteristics were obtained for both normal laryngeal tissues and laryngeal cancer, as well as for dysplasia (transitional process, precancer). The study revealed that there were differences in both fluorescence signals and Raman bands in the above groups, and the method may serve as an auxiliary tool for the clinician in the early diagnosis of laryngeal cancer. Conclusion. In the future, Raman fluorescence medical technologies may be applied for the purpose of early express diagnostics of laryngeal tumors. Clinical medicine and public health in general need the development of such technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of diagnostics and treatment at the initial stages of diseases. Keywords: Raman fluorescence medical technologies, laryngeal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, early diagnosis of cancer Conflicts of interest. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Funding. There was no funding for this study