Journal of Innovative Optical Health Sciences, Volume. 18, Issue 2, 2343002(2025)

Application of cross-polarization imaging in distinguishing between squamous and columnar epithelium of the cervix

Cat Phan Ngoc Khuong1,2、*, Hieu Nguyen Trung1,2, Duc Le Huynh1,2, Quynh Nguyen Ngoc3, Hai Pham Thanh4, Long Nguyen4, Hanh Tran Thi Thu1,2, Tu Ly Anh1,2, and Tien Tran Van1,2
Author Affiliations
  • 1Department of Applied Physics, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
  • 2Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City - VNU-HCM Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, HCM City, Vietnam
  • 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
  • 4Quality Management Department, Tu Du Hospital, 284 Cong Quynh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
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    The careful observation and evaluation of the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) are essential requirements in colposcopy procedures. While traditional colposcopes with visible light offer high resolution and sensitivity, the presence of glare patterns on the cervix limits the visualization of deeper tissue features. Cross-polarization imaging, on the other hand, overcomes this limitation by effectively removing glare and providing greater optical penetration depth to noninvasively examine subsurface tissue structures. In this study, we present the potential of polarized light in enhancing diagnostics through cross-polarization imaging for the identification and contrast enhancement of squamous and columnar epithelium (CE) in cases of cervical ectropion. Our results demonstrate that polarized light colposcopy offers valuable diagnostic information that complements traditional colposcopy. By effectively reducing glare and improving visibility during cervical examinations, polarized light colposcopy proves to be a useful tool. Furthermore, we introduce a novel method that practically enhances the contrast ratio (CR) between columnar and squamous epithelium (SE) in colposcopic images. This method significantly increases the contrast between these tissue types, facilitating clearer differentiation and improving diagnostic accuracy. Notably, the combination of the cross-polarization imaging technique with our proposed algorithm enables the clear observation of the SCJ boundary. These findings emphasize the potential of our approach in enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of polarized colposcopy for evaluating cervical tissue.

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    Cat Phan Ngoc Khuong, Hieu Nguyen Trung, Duc Le Huynh, Quynh Nguyen Ngoc, Hai Pham Thanh, Long Nguyen, Hanh Tran Thi Thu, Tu Ly Anh, Tien Tran Van. Application of cross-polarization imaging in distinguishing between squamous and columnar epithelium of the cervix[J]. Journal of Innovative Optical Health Sciences, 2025, 18(2): 2343002

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    Paper Information

    Category: Research Articles

    Received: Jul. 11, 2023

    Accepted: Nov. 9, 2023

    Published Online: Apr. 7, 2025

    The Author Email: Cat Phan Ngoc Khuong (pnkhuongcat@hcmut.edu.vn)

    DOI:10.1142/S1793545823430022

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