Methods of cancer screening utilizing fluorescence detection techniques and selectable imager charge integration periods

Abstract

The methods of cancer screening allow for a safe, reliable, inexpensive and minimally invasive diagnosis. Cells are first collected through non-invasive or minimally invasive means. The collected cells are stored in a cell culture media. A chemical compound such as 5-ALA is introduced to the cultured cells. The cells are incubated a period of time to allow interaction between the introduced chemical compound and the collected cells. The cells are then studied under a fluorescence microscope which emits a specific frequency of light matching the excitation frequency of fluorescing abnormal cells. Pre-malignant and malignant cells will fluoresce while normal healthy cells generally will not fluoresce. In lieu of or in addition to observing the cells by the fluorescence microscope, an imager may be used to observe the cells wherein the imager includes selectable and variable charge integration capability. Observable fluorescence can be maximized by selecting the appropriate integration period. If necessary, the collected cells may be passed through a flow cytometer to more easily identify the fluorescing cells. A presumptive diagnosis of cancer may be made based upon the presence or absence of fluorescing cells. If a cell sample is adequately concentrated, a cell sorter is not needed, and the cell sample may be adequately viewed under the fluorescence microscope. Specific techniques are disclosed for non-invasive and minimally invasive cell collection. Each of these techniques minimize patient trauma by not requiring forced tissue removal as occurs in traditional biopsy procedures. A method of fluorescence guided endoscopy is also disclosed utilizing an imager with variable charge integration capability.