Using Reflectance Confocal Microscopy in Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

Biopsy and histologic evaluation have been the gold standard to diagnose skin tumors. Reflectance confocal microcopy (RCM) is a noninvasive, innovative diagnostic technique that enables visualization of different skin layers at an almost histologic resolution. RCM has been proven beneficial in management of various cutaneous lesions. This article highlights the clinical significance and future of RCM to diagnose common skin cancers. However, RCM cannot replace currently standard histopathologic diagnosis. More studies are required to better compare the sensitivity and specificity of skin cancer diagnosis using RCM.

Keywords: Melanocytic skin cancer; Nonmelanocytic skin cancer; Reflectance confocal microscopy.