This paper is the first reported description of Raman Spectroscopy in the assessment of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. Raman Spectroscopy is an inelastic scattering spectroscopic technique appropriate for the assessment of unprocessed complex biological tissues. Spectra represent biochemical signatures of the tissue under scrutiny. The described method of Raman spectral mapping produces false-color spectral images of lymph node sections. These can be compared with standard histopathology slides and white light images of nodal tissue. This method has the potential to allow the detailed biochemical assessment of heterogeneous lymph node features, and to contribute towards the development of an optical diagnostic tool for use in a clinical setting.

Key words: Raman spectroscopy, Breast cancer, Axillary lymph nodes.