Reflectance confocal microscopy and dermoscopy for in vivo, non-invasive skin imaging of superficial basal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) is the second most frequent histological type of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), usually requiring a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. It usually appears on the upper trunk and shoulders as erythematous and squamous lesions. Although it has a slow growth and seldom metastasizes, early diagnosis and management are of crucial importance in preventing local invasion and subsequent disfigurement. Dermoscopy is nowadays an indispensable tool for the dermatologist when evaluating skin tumors. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a novel imaging technique that allows the non-invasive, in vivo quasi-microscopic morphological and dynamic assessment of superficial skin tumors. Moreover, it offers the advantage of performing infinite repeatable determinations to monitor disease progression and non-surgical treatment for sBCC. Herein, we present three lesions of sBCC evaluated using in vivo and non-invasive imaging techniques, emphasizing the usefulness of combining RCM with dermoscopy for increasing the diagnostic accuracy of sBCC.

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).…”

In vivo Confocal Laser Microscopy for monitoring of actinic keratosis treatment: a comparison with histopathologic assessment after treatment with topical 5% 5‐fluorouracil

“…The current study primarily aimed to assess the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of RCM in the diagnostic of subclinical AKs after 5‐FU treatment. RCM has been previously described for evaluation of non‐melanoma skin cancer; most studies are related to assessment of basal cell carcinoma . Studies addressing the application of this method for actinic keratosis are still scarce in literature.…”

“…RCM has been previously described for evaluation of non-melanoma skin cancer; most studies are related to assessment of basal cell carcinoma. [49][50][51] Studies addressing the application of this method for actinic keratosis are still scarce in literature. Ulrich et al described the use of RCM in AK follow-up after imiquimod treatment.…”

An overview of methods to mitigate artifacts in optical coherence tomography imaging of the skin

“…In addition, biopsy can be traumatic and risky, especially for elderly patients, because of poor wound healing and possibility of infection . Therefore, several noninvasive imaging modalities have been developed to enhance the diagnosis of skin diseases . Among several different modalities, optical coherence tomography (OCT) stands out.…”