[Fluorescence-assisted biopsy of basal cell carcinomas].
OBJECTIVE
The diagnosis of precancerous and cancerous skin lessons in pretreated or scarred skin can be difficult. The determination of the right biopsy site in a suspected area depends largely on the physician's experience.


METHODS
The possibility of using a CCD-camera system and measuring tumor fluorescence following topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid was employed in a single case to facilitate accurate choice of biopsy site.


RESULTS
An user-independent evaluation of the induced fluorescence intensity was achieved by means of the described optical system and digital imaging. The contrast of the acquired fluorescence images can be significantly enhanced and allows the determination of a threshold. As result an initial, clinically not visible basal cell carcinoma was detected and excised by a punch biopsy in toto.


CONCLUSIONS
Using the described optical system the early recognition of a superficial basal cell carcinoma and the determination of the exact biopsy site was achieved in pretreated skin. The routine employment of the system will be assessed in a prospective study.
Ackermann
G
G
Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Klinikum, Universität Regensburg.
Abels
C
C
Karrer
S
S
Bäumler
W
W
Landthaler
M
M
Szeimies
R M
RM
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid; D001706:Biopsy; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*
D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid