Basics of Confocal Microscopy and the Complexity of Diagnosing Skin Tumors: New Imaging Tools in Clinical Practice, Diagnostic Workflows, Cost-Estimate, and New Trends.
The use of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and other noninvasive imaging devices can potentially streamline clinical care, leading to more precise and efficient management of skin cancer. This article explores the potential role of RCM in cutaneous oncology, as an adjunct to more established techniques of detecting and monitoring for skin cancer, such as dermoscopy and total body photography. Discussed are current barriers to the adoption of RCM, diagnostic workflows and standards of care in the United States and Europe, and medicolegal issues. The potential role of RCM and other similar technological innovations in the enhancement of dermatologic care is evaluated.
Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, MC 6231, Farmington, CT 06030-6231, USA. Electronic address: keenaq@gmail.com.
Syril Keena T
SK
Que
Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, MC 6231, Farmington, CT 06030-6231, USA.
Jane M
JM
Grant-Kels
Skin Cancer Unit, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova-IRCCS, viale risorgimento, 80, 42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Caterina
C
Longo
Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo 71, Modena 41124, Italy.
Giovanni
G
Pellacani
D001706:Biopsy; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D000069416:Intravital Microscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D057188:Workflow
Confocal microscopy; Cost-estimates; Medicolegal issues; Melanoma; Nonmelanoma skin cancer; Standard of care