ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore a novel non-invasive method in detection of thyroid cancer by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Surface FTIR spectra of 15 cases of thyroid cancer and 51 cases of normal subjects were collected. 22 variables of 11 bands including peak positions and relative intensities were measured and all data were statistically analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the cancer group: (1) the peak position of 1743 cm(-1) was shifted toward higher wave number (P < 0.05), and that of 1250 cm(-1) to the lower (P < 0.05), when compared to those of normal ones. (2) The relative intensity ratios of I(1546)/I(1460), I(1250)/I(1460), I(1120)/I(1460), I(1080)/I(1460) were significantly increased (P < 0.05). (3) The presence rate of band of 1340 cm(-1) was significantly decreased (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FTIR surface spectra may become a novel powerful non-invasive approach of detecting thyroid cancer in regular routine check-up.</p>