The value of ultrasound diagnosis in the multidisciplinary approach of cutaneous tumours. Case report

Abstract

We report the case of a senior patient, presenting with two cutaneous tumours in which the clinical and dermoscopic examination pointed towards a basal cell carcinoma. Ultrasound revealed highly vascularised tumours and elastography showed increased rigidity. Histological examination of both lesions following complete resection was consistent with squamous cell carcinomas. The distinctive feature of this case consists of the complex non-invasive diagnostic imaging of the tumour morphology, performed in real time, revealing aspects compatible with highly proliferative malignant tumours. This case emphasises the importance of ultrasound diagnosis in a multi-disciplinary approach for better and more predictable results.

Use of imaging techniques for melanocytic naevi and basal cell carcinoma in integrative analysis (Review)

“…A study conducted on 56 patients with BCC reported lower ultrasonographic index in comparison with histologic index, but a moderate correlation index was obtained and statistically significant differences were not identified (43). HFUS can be similarly useful in detecting subclinical satellite lesions.…”

“…HFUS can be similarly useful in detecting subclinical satellite lesions. In another study with 46 subjects diagnosed with BCC (18 patients); superficial spreading melanoma (8 patients) and nodular melanoma (20 patients), the ultrasonographic depth index was comparable to the histological one, with a very good sensitivity (98-99%) (43). BCC with depth index smaller than 1.5 mm may benefit from photodynamic therapy (35).…”

“…BCC with depth index smaller than 1.5 mm may benefit from photodynamic therapy (35). HFUS provides real-time data on depth and lateral invasion and their examination show hypoechoic inhomogeneous tumors with possible ulceration (43). In addition, HFUS offers more accurate depth index in comparison to conventional ultrasonography (39,44).…”

Ultrasonography in dermatologic surgery: revealing the unseen for improved surgical planning

“…In hyperkeratotic lesions, the sonographic characterization might be limited by the presence of keratin; hence, removing the external hyperkeratotic component might facilitate more accurate imaging of SCC [1,9,37,38].…”

Can shear wave ultrasound elastography be a useful tool for determining the tumor extent of basal cell carcinomas pre‐operatively? A preliminary study

“…1 The main treatment of BCC is surgical excision; therefore, determination of tumor extent pre-operatively is vital for an optimal excision. 2 In order to evaluate tumor extent accurately, high-frequency sonography, dermoscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging are commonly used. 3 Shear wave ultrasound elastography (SWE) is a novel cost-effective diagnostic ultrasound (US) technique using acoustic radiation impulses to stress tissues and ultrafast US tracking techniques to measure the speed of induced shear waves.…”