Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
08:56
Terahertz Imaging and Characterization Protocol for Freshly Excised Breast Cancer Tumors
Published on: April 5, 2020
[FTIR spectroscopic explorations of freshly resected thyroid malignant tissues]
Xiang-tai Zeng1, Yi-zhuang Xu, Xiao-qing Zhang
1Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
Guang Pu Xue Yu Guang Pu Fen Xi = Guang Pu
|March 12, 2008
Summary
Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy effectively distinguishes malignant from benign thyroid tissue. This method analyzes spectral differences in protein, lipid, and nucleic acid content for reliable intraoperative cancer diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Spectroscopy
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Oncology
Background:
- Accurate intraoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer is crucial for effective surgical management.
- Current diagnostic methods may have limitations in speed and accessibility during surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) probe for differentiating malignant from benign thyroid tissues.
- To identify specific spectral biomarkers indicative of thyroid malignancy.
Main Methods:
- FTIR spectroscopy using an ATR probe was performed on 17 freshly resected malignant and 23 benign thyroid tissue samples.
- Statistical analysis was employed to compare spectral features between cancerous and normal tissues.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in FTIR spectra between malignant and benign thyroid tissues.
- Malignant tissues showed distinct variations in protein (amide band shifts, altered ratios), decreased lipid content (reduced peak frequency), and altered nucleic acid bands (shifts, increased ratios).
Conclusions:
- FTIR spectroscopy provides a reliable and practical method for distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid tissues during surgery.
- Spectral changes in protein, lipid, and nucleic acid composition serve as indicators for thyroid cancer diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy or TIRF is an advanced microscopic technique used to visualize fluorophores in samples close to a solid surface with a higher refractive index, such as a glass coverslip. TIRF only allows fluorophores in proximity to the solid surface to be excited. When light from a medium with a lower refractive index (such as air) hits the glass coverslip at a critical angle, the light undergoes total internal reflection stead of passing through the glass.
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...