Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical diagnosis and treatment of abnormal cells through the use of hormone-specific chemical markers which are preferential to genital tissues. Abnormal cells can be differentiated from normal cells by the amount of fluorescent or thermal radiation produced by the chemical marker retained in the respective cells when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at a predetermined wavelength. Once the abnormal cells have been detected, they can be treated through the use of an optical technique based on photochemical or thermal reactions which can be controlled to destroy the abnormal cells, while leaving normal cells unharmed.