Near infrared Raman spectroscopy can be applied to identify preneoplastic lesions of the bronchial tree. Real time in vivo Raman spectra of lung tissues may be obtained with a fiber optic catheter passed down the instrument channel of a bronchoscope. Using prototype apparatus preneoplastic lesions were detected with sensitivity and specificity of 96 and 91 % respectively. The use of Raman spectroscopy apparatus and methods in conjunction with other bronchoscopy imaging modalities can substantially reduce the number of false positive results.
