Method and apparatus for determining autofluorescence of skin tissue

For determining autofluorescence of a clinically normal skin issue of a patient, the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation. An amount of fluorescent radiation emitted by the tissue in response to the irradiation is measured and, in response thereto, a signal is generated which represents a determined autofluorescence in agreement with the measured amount of electromagnetic radiation. Because the tissue is skin tissue in vivo and irradiation is performed noninvasively, a method which is very simple to apply for determining autofluorescence is obtained. An apparatus especially adapted for use in this method is also described.