Assessment of tumour resection margins using optical coherence tomography

The junctional epithelium (between positive and negative margins) can be identified by gradual change in epithelial thickness and basement membrane organisation (integrity) from the normal to pathological. Identified changes in tumour positive margins include hyperkeratinisation, breach of the basement membrane and disorganised epithelial structure. Tumour spread pattern could be identified on the majority of the interrogated tissue. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated and proved to be encouraging. The results from this study are encouraging and suggest the feasibility of using OCT in differentiating between positive and negative surgical margins.