Method and system for characterization and mapping of tissue lesions

A diagnostic method comprising the steps of:

• (a) examining an in-vivo tissue sample using an optical signal detection system adapted to automatically assign a classification to each of a plurality of regions of the tissue sample;
• (b) creating an overlay map visually indicating the classifications assigned to the regions of the tissue sample;
• and (c) displaying the overlay map to facilitate identification of suspect portions of the tissue sample.

An optical signal detection apparatus for performing a cervical scan, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) illuminating optics for sequentially illuminating each of a plurality of regions of a tissue sample, wherein the illuminating optics comprise a white light source and an ultraviolet light source;
• and (b) collecting optics for receiving at least one optical signal from each of the plurality of regions, wherein the at least one optical signal comprises a fluorescence spectrum and at least one reflectance spectrum, wherein each of the plurality of regions has a dimension of about a millimeter, and wherein the optical signal detection apparatus is adapted to complete a cervical scan in less than about 30 seconds.

A method for identifying a characteristic of each of a plurality of regions of a tissue sample, the method comprising the steps of (a) obtaining at least one optical signal from each of a plurality of regions of a tissue sample following application of a contrast agent and at least one of an optical probe and a biological-responsive probe to the tissue sample;

• and (b) automatically identifying a characteristic of each of the plurality of regions based at least in part on the at least one optical signal.