Abstract
4/2021
vol. 13
Original paper
The use of high frequency skin ultrasound in non-melanoma skin cancer
- Non-invasive Skin Diagnostics Laboratory ANTA-Med, Dermatology Department, Academy of Postgraduate under the Federal State Budgetary Unit “Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Specialized Medical Assistance and Medical Technologies of the Federal Medical Biological Agency”, Moscow, Russia
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
J Contemp Brachytherapy 2021; 13, 4: 483–491
Online publish date: 2021/08/24
Ultrasound (US) or sonography is the most common diagnostic non-invasive imaging method, which is estimated to account for more than a third of all diagnostic procedures used in medical practice. Traditionally, US frequencies used in diagnostic radiology range from 1 MHz to approximately 16 MHz. Visualization of skin morphology requires US frequencies from 20 to 100 MHz, and is called a “high frequency ultrasound” (HFUS). HFUS has been explored in normal skin and in various skin pathologies. It has been found useful in differentiation diagnosis of infiltrative (perivascular) and exudative inflammation, hypertrophic or normotrophic scars, keloids, and in skin atrophy. Moreover, it has been used to support diagnosis and management of skin tumors. In skin oncology, HFUS can provide essential information on tumors’ size and margins, particularly the depth of invasion. Such information are crucial in deciding on the form of treatment (e.g., photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy), computed tomography (CT)-based planning treatment (e.g., superficial brachytherapy), and in skin monitoring after treatment, in addition to clinical examination.
Keywords
ultrasound, non-melanoma skin cancer, high frequency skin ultrasound
Integrated with
