Optical coherence tomography -: a noninvasive high resolution cross-sectional tissue imaging in addition to colposcopy

Colposcopy is an important imaging method which allows examination of the surface epithelium in patients with intraepithelial neoplasias of the cervix and vulva. Optical coherence tomography as a new optical method achieves high resolution in cross-sectional tissue imaging. After combining an OCT imaging system with a colposcope, non-contact imaging is possible under colposcopic view. Normal and diseased microstructures such as capillaries, Nabothian glands and in particular the basal lamina could be identified at a resolution higher than any currently available noninvasive, clinical imaging technology.