Dual-Illumination Ultrasound/ Photoacoustic System for Cervical Cancer imaging.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging
• Cancer Diagnostics

Background:

• Cervical cancer mortality can be reduced with early detection technologies.
• A miniaturized ultrasound and photoacoustic endoscopic system was previously developed for cervical tissue imaging.
• Current systems face limitations due to endoscope size and safety regulations restricting illumination intensity and light penetration depth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a dual, co-planar illumination system for improved photoacoustic imaging of cervical tissue.
• To overcome limitations of light penetration and intensity in endoscopic imaging.
• To enhance the accuracy of cervical cancer diagnostics through improved functional information.

Main Methods:

• A dual illumination system combining internal and external light delivery was designed.
• Monte Carlo simulations were used to model laser-light fluence within simulated cervical tissue.
• Photoacoustic imaging was performed on tissue-mimicking phantoms with blood and graphite inclusions.

Main Results:

• Simulations showed higher and more uniform laser-light fluence at various tissue depths.
• Phantom studies demonstrated more reliable photoacoustic signals across the entire depth.
• Improved contrast-to-noise ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, and imaging field of view coverage were observed.

Conclusions:

• The dual-mode illumination system effectively increases light-tissue interaction while adhering to safety limits.
• This approach enables reliable photoacoustic imaging of the full cervical tissue thickness.
• The system provides more realistic tissue information, enhancing biomarker detection accuracy for cervical cancer.