Angular domain spectroscopic imaging for breast cancer margin assessment after lumpectomy

Angular Domain Spectroscopic Imaging (ADSI) is a novel technique for the detection and characterization of optical contrast abnormalities in ex-vivo breast tissue samples based on spectral characteristics. The imaging system employs a spatial filter called an angular filter array to reject scattered photons traversing a sample. The system employs an imaging spectrometer to capture and discriminate the largely remaining quasi-ballistic photons based on spatial position and wavelength. Spectral data were obtained from samples obtained from two patients, one sample contained invasive mammary carcinoma, and the other one contained normal fat and fibrous tissue. Principal component analysis using transmission absorption spectra obtained with ADSI was able to differentiate tumor versus normal tissue regions.