Abstract: An excision and aspiration apparatus adapted to sample a tissue mass includes a receptacle, such as a suction cup, which is adapted to receive a superficial portion only of the total tissue mass. An excision mechanism, such as a cutting wire, excises the superficial portion from the rest of the tissue mass. The excision and aspiration apparatus further includes a suction tube having a receiving channel for collecting the excised superficial portion of the tissue mass, as well as a vacuum source for creating suction within the suction tube that is sufficient to draw the excised superficial portion of the tissue mass into the receiving channel of the suction tube.

Abstract: An excision and aspiration apparatus adapted to sample a tissue mass includes a receptacle, such as a suction cup, which is adapted to receive a superficial portion only of the total tissue mass. An excision mechanism, such as a cutting wire, excises the superficial portion from the rest of the tissue mass. The excision and aspiration apparatus further includes a suction tube having a receiving channel for collecting the excised superficial portion of the tissue mass, as well as a vacuum source for creating suction within the suction tube that is sufficient to draw the excised superficial portion of the tissue mass into the receiving channel of the suction tube.

Abstract: A method for using acetic acid as a signal enhancing contrast agent during fluorescence spectroscopy of normal and neoplastic tissue, particularly epithelium. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of detecting tissue abnormality in a diagnostic tissue sample in a patient, comprising the steps of obtaining a first fluorescence intensity spectrum from the diagnostic tissue sample; thereafter, applying acetic acid to the diagnostic tissue sample in sufficient concentration to alter the response of such diagnostic tissue sample to electromagnetic radiation for at least an effective period of time; during the effective period of time, obtaining a second fluorescence intensity spectrum from the diagnostic tissue sample; determining a parameter indicative of a change between the first and second fluorescence emission intensity spectra; and analyzing the determined parameter to determine a probability that the diagnostic tissue sample is normal or abnormal.