Confocal Microscopy in Skin Cancer

Verena Ahlgrimm-Siess, Martin Laimer, Harold S. Rabinovitz, Margaret Oliviero, Rainer Hofmann-Wellenhof, Ashfaq A. Marghoob, Alon Scope

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) enables imaging of skin lesions at cellular level resolution at the bedside (in vivo) or in freshly excised tissue (ex vivo). This article provides an overview of strengths and limitations of non-invasive RCM in skin cancer diagnosis. Recent Findings: RCM features of common melanocytic and non-melanocytic skin neoplasms such as melanoma, actinic keratosis/squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and nevi have been well defined and show good correlation with dermoscopic and histopathologic findings. Due to its technical properties, RCM is especially suitable for the examination of flat skin lesions. Summary: In vivo RCM has been shown to increase the accuracy of non-invasive diagnosis of common skin neoplasms and is a valuable adjunct to dermoscopy, particularly in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas such as the face or the genital area.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)105-118
Number of pages14
JournalCurrent Dermatology Reports
Volume7
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Dermoscopy
  • Facial macules
  • Histopathology
  • Lentigo maligna
  • Melanoma
  • Nevi
  • Non-melanoma skin cancer
  • Reflectance confocal microscopy
  • Skin tumors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

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