A recent article from Forbes examined the potential future of using fluorescence detection for tumor removal.

Fluorescence detection, in theory, could help surgeons see where a tumor ends and where healthy tissue begins.

Forbes broke down how the process could work in a clinical setting: “A breast cancer patient is connected to an IV that sends dye molecules into the bloodstream that travel to the site of the patient’ tumor or tumors. Then, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera into the patient’s chest so the tissue can be observed on a nearby monitor. The light that these optical probes emit can be picked up by a special camera that can see light that penetrates through skin and tissues. On the screen, the cancer cells glow a bright green color to help guide the surgeon to the tumor site.”

Fluorescence detection with non-targeted dye is already commonly used to find blood vessels, but recent scientific developments have increased the likelihood of light-guided tumor removal.

Click the link below to view the full story from Forbes: