Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methodology for determining the variation in concentration of chromophores within an epithelial tissue. The devices comprise a means of illuminate the skin at one or more points and at wavelengths corresponding to specific chromophores. The device further comprises a detection means configured to detect the intensity of light remitted from the epithelial surface, a processing means configured to interpret image data sets obtained by the detection means and an output display to display the results or significance of the results. The invention further extends to a method of interpreting the distribution of chromophores within a lesion of an epithelial tissue. The method comprising the steps of illuminating an epithelial surface, determining the intensity of remitted light, analysing said intensity data to determine variation in the intensity across the lesion and providing an output corresponding to the extend of variation across the lesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methodology for determining the distribution and concentration of chromophores within the epithelial tissue by illuminating an area of an epithelial tissue surface with visible and infrared spectral light. The epithelial tissue is illuminated with light of selected wavelength at a first intensity and an image of light remitted from the epithelial tissue surface is detected. The tissue is then illuminated at a second intensity and a second image is detected. A combined image is then produced such that each point of the image corresponds to a value of the percentage remittance at that position and has an intensity within that of the usable dynamic range of the detector.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the presence of one or more chromophores in a tissue sample, comprises a light source for projecting light to illuminate an area of such tissue sample, a photo-receptor for receiving light remitted by the illuminated area of tissue, and spectroscopic analyser means for monitoring the remitted light, a comparator having means for comparing variations in the intensity and spectral characteristics of the remitted light with respect to the intensity and spectral characteristics of the projected light at different wavelengths and with a record of the intensity and spectral characteristics of light remitted by a reference sample of such tissue and means for emitting a control signal in response to any such variations. Methods of analyzing tissue histology, especially skin histology, are discussed, and a mathematical model is proposed for the analysis and comparison of the remitted light with a reference sample.