Can normal lymph node architecture be characterised by optical coherence tomography?

Abstract

Assessment of lymph node involvement is a key prognostic marker in early breast cancer. This paper demonstrates the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to characterise the micro-architecture of healthy, non-cancerous lymph nodes. OCT is shown to differentiate stroma, cortex and adipose tissue. Characteristic patterns are also identified for germinal centres and blood vessels within the node. Results are correlated against a histopathological gold standard.