eISSN: 2299-0046
ISSN: 1642-395X
Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii
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4/2020
vol. 37
 
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abstract:
Original paper

Diagnostic accuracy of reflectance confocal microscopy for pigmented skin lesions presenting dermoscopic features of cutaneous melanoma

Katarzyna Podolec
1
,
Magdalena Pirowska
1
,
Grzegorz Dyduch
2
,
Anna Wojas-Pelc
1

  1. Department of Dermatology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
  2. Department of Pathology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
Adv Dermatol Allergol 2020; XXXVII (4): 531–534
Online publish date: 2019/02/05
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Introduction
The incidence and mortality of melanoma are rising rapidly. Despite ongoing research and the introduction of new therapeutic methods, advanced melanoma is still considered incurable. Early detection and surgical excision of the tumor increases patients’ survival. Since the diagnostic protocol includes surgical excision of all suspicious lesions, it is burdened with a high rate of unnecessary excisions that cause unwanted scarring. This is why the development of accurate diagnostic techniques is crucial. The most common diagnostic tool in early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma is dermoscopy, though there are emerging new techniques, such as reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography.

Aim
To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of reflectance confocal microscopy as a secondary examination in melanocytic lesions previously diagnosed as melanomas by means of dermoscopy.

Material and methods
Forty-six melanocytic lesions presenting dermoscopic features of cutaneous malignant melanoma were examined by means of reflectance confocal microscopy.

Results
The RCM evaluation showed sensitivity at the level of 100% and specificity at 62%.

Conclusions
It can be estimated that double evaluation of melanocytic lesions by dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy may allow up to 62% of unnecessary excisions to be avoided.

keywords:

melanoma, reflectance confocal microscopy, dermoscopy

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