Light absorption distribution of uterine tissue filled with strong scattering medium irradiated by diffused light source

Abstract

Determining the light absorption distribution (LAD) of uterine tissue helps the detection of endometrial carcinoma. In this work, a 3-dimensional optical model of the human uterus is proposed and examined. The model is filled with strong scattering medium (undiluted raw and homogenized milk, URHM) or air at 630 nm and 800 nm wavelengths. Monte Carlo simulations are used to find the absorption profiles of photons by transcervical laser illumination, with a cylindrically diffused light source (CDLS) or spherically diffused light source (SDLS). The results show that 800 nm is a good laser wavelength value for the detection of endometrial carcinoma by photoacoustic imaging (PAI). At the same time, the shape of the light source becomes less important in a relatively large cavity. The impacts of different scattering coefficients of CDLS on the irradiated area are demonstrated. Strong scattering medium is helpful to the illumination of the uterus cavity.