Characterization of an OCT probe for use in the diagnosis of precancerous lesions of the cervix

Abstract

The development of an auxiliary diagnostic tool (OCT probe) for application in the assessment of cervical cancer is being carried out and may have an impact on the diagnostic process and, consequently, on the reduction of the incidence of female mortality from cervical cancer, by allowing a more accurate assessment of the extent of the lesion and by enabling the expansion of this assessment within the endocervical canal. In addition to the scientific result, the use of available equipment will boost the quality of clinical care currently available for diagnosis. Combining technical development with a precise methodology and clinical application, the probe developed will have a scientific impact of socio-economic relevance for society. As it is an optical measurement, it is necessary to evaluate the optical characteristics of the developed probes and the choice of one of them was made taking into account the measurements carried out and the application of metrological concepts.