Current and future applications of confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging in skin oncology (Review)

Abstract

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a modern imaging technique that enables the in vivo or ex vivo characterization of skin lesions located in the epidermis and superficial dermis with a high quasi-microscopic resolution. Currently, it is considered to be the most promising imaging tool for the evaluation of superficial skin tumors. The in vivo mode adds the advantage of noninvasive, dynamic, in real-time assessment of the tumor associated vasculature and inflammation. It offers the possibility to repeatedly examine the same skin area without causing any damage and to monitor disease progression and treatment outcome. Furthermore, this novel technology allows the evaluation of the entire lesion and can be used to guide biopsies and to define tumor margins before surgical excision or other invasive therapies. CLSM diagnostic features may differentiate between the various histologic subtypes of skin tumors and therefore helps in choosing the best therapeutic approach. In this study, we present the CLSM characteristic features of the most common melanocytic and non-melanocytic skin tumors, as well as future possible CLSM applications in the study of experimental skin tumorigenesis on animal models.

Penile carcinoma and HPV infection (Review)

“…However, a study that focused on the immunogenicity of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine found that it is highly efficient in men aged from 16 to 26 years, with seroconversion within 7 months, with antibodies being detected even at 36 months, numbers comparable with those encountered in clinical trials conducted in female patients (51). In a study conducted by Giuliano et al (52) similar results regarding the efficacy of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine against HPV infection in male patients were found (53)(54)(55)(56)(57)(58)(59)(60)(61).…”

Treatment trends in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions (Review)

“…To a clear and precise final diagnosis, a thorough history and clinical features of lesions should be correlated with complex testing-histopathologic examination, DIF, IIF, cutaneous patch testing ( 20-22 ). Also, it is important to mention that the diagnostic process of OLP and OLL demands continuous follow-up and if necessary additional biopsies for histopathological evaluation and immunofluorescence tests ( 23 , 24 ).…”

Dynamics of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis

“…The microvasculopathy lesions are expressed by the appearance of digital ulcers, telangiectasia, and at macrovascular level by kidney damage, pulmonary arterial hypertension and erectile dysfunction (16). Vascular occlusion results in the occurrence of ischemic-type phenomena, digital ulcers, which are difficult to treat with conventional treatments (17,18); they are located on the tip of the fingers and on the extension surfaces of the joint, can become complicated with infections and sometimes with gangrene, thus requiring amputations or sympathectomy (19)(20)(21). less often, impairment of microvasculature and digital arteries can produce critical digital ischemia (22).…”