Scientists at Osaka University in Japan have shown that non-labeling multiphoton microscopy (NL-MPM) can be used for quantitative imaging of cancer that is safe and requires no resection, fixation, or staining of tissues. The work is expected to simplify and reduce the time it takes to diagnose cancer. To diagnose cancer and determine the proper treatment plan, pathologists depend on biopsies from the patient. The cutting, fixing, and staining of the specimen generally provides reliable information, but these pathology-based diagnostic procedures require substantial time and cause tissue damage.