Update on fluorescence spectroscopy studies of diseased skin

This is a progress report on our ongoing fluorescence spectroscopy studies of diseased skin. A PC plug-in spectrometer has been used clinically to collect autofluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectral data from various skin lesions including skin cancer. To date, over 100 patients with a total of over 180 diseased skin sites have been measured and our database on the spectroscopic properties of diseased skin has been enlarged accordingly. Analysis of these preliminary data confirmed our preliminary observations that certain types of skin lesions possess consistent characteristic autofluorescence and diffuse reflectance properties. A new method of data analysis, spectra ratioing, provides new features to aid the optical diagnosis of skin lesions.