Noninvasive skin imaging of melanocytic and nonmelanocytic tumours: recent findings

Curr Opin Oncol. 2026 Mar 1;38(2):95-101. doi: 10.1097/CCO.0000000000001221. Epub 2026 Feb 2.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Early diagnosis of skin cancer is essential for patient care. Noninvasive skin imaging devices have become increasingly used for the assessment of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). This article reviews the scientific literature published from March 2024 up to October 2025 and highlights the latest findings.

Recent findings: Reflectance confocal microscopy remains the technique of choice for melanoma and lentigo maligna as it enhances diagnosis and reduces unnecessary biopsies. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography confirms its utility for NMSC but shows growing potential for melanocytic lesions. Optical coherence tomography and high-frequency ultrasound provide evaluation of tumour thickness and margins. Dermoscopy and its high-magnification variant still serve as more accessible tools. Moreover, the addition of artificial intelligence and tele-imaging platforms is emerging.

Summary: Noninvasive skin imaging devices, combined with artificial intelligence, are useful throughout patient management as they improve diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and surgical planning. They reduce unnecessary biopsies, aim towards more personalized medicine and overall improve patient care.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; line-field confocal optical coherence tomography; melanoma; noninvasive skin imaging; nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Dermoscopy / methods
  • Humans
  • Melanoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods
  • Non-Melanoma Skin Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods