Through the looking glass: Basics and principles of reflectance confocal microscopy

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Aug;73(2):276-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.04.047. Epub 2015 Jun 4.

Abstract

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) offers high-resolution, noninvasive skin imaging and can help avoid obtaining unnecessary biopsy specimens. It can also increase efficiency in the surgical setting by helping to delineate tumor margins. Diagnostic criteria and several RCM algorithms have been published for the differentiation of benign and malignant neoplasms. We provide an overview of the basic principles of RCM, characteristic RCM features of normal skin and cutaneous neoplasms, and the limitations and future directions of RCM.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma; cutaneous oncology; melanoma; noninvasive imaging; reflectance confocal microscopy; squamous cell carcinoma; tumors/neoplasm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*