Abstract
The 4T1 tumor model closely approximates the characteristics of human
breast cancer and is widely used in laboratory research. Knowledge of
the optical parameters of the tumor is important for choosing the
correct parameters for laser treatment. In this paper, optical
properties and refraction indices of breast tissue in healthy mice and
4T1-model breast tumor have been measured. Using these measurements,
absorption coefficient and reduced scattering coefficient have been
reconstructed. A significant decrease in both the scattering and
refractive index of tumor tissue has been observed. The change in tissue
morphology has induced the change in the slope of the scattering
spectrum. Thus, the light penetration depth into tumor has increased by
almost 1.5-2 times in the NIR “optical windows.” Raman spectra have
shown lower lipid content and higher protein content in tumor. The
results may be useful for modeling the distribution of laser radiation
in healthy tissues and cancers.