Real-time THz imaging of human tissue characteristics and cancer margins

We investigate the use of real-time THz camera imaging for differentiating between benign and malignant tissues in major human tissue groups. Using broadband time-domain THz spectroscopy, we discriminate between tumor and nerve margins on the basis of different THz refractive indices and reflectivity. Particular focus is given to easily accessible malignancies, such as skin, larynx, esophagus, and colon cancers. Time domain THz response due to tissue chemistry and morphology is recorded and tabulated to create a “THz tissue database” that can be used as a reference for diagnosis as well as tumor and nerve margin differentiation using THz waves.