The Study on Oral Cancer Detection Based on 3-D OCT Image

Abstract

We have successfully demonstrated the use of 2-D and 3-D OCT for early detection and diagnosis of oral premalignancy and malignancy. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of diagnostic imaging within the oral cavity using this modality. Noninvasive evaluation of neoplasia-related epithelial and subepithelial changes throughout carcinogenesis in the hamster cheek pouch model was achieved. OCT can clearly distinguish many histologic features such as epithelial and subepithelial change. 3-D images provide detailed structural information at any location, and may be viewed at any angle desired by the clinician. The appearance of structures imaged by OCT corresponded closely to histologic images. Given the ability to obtain high resolution images, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopic compatibility, and in vivo noninvasive measurement, OCT has the potential to be- come a powerful method for early oral cancer detection.