In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy in General Dermatology: How to Choose the Right Indication

Chiara Franceschini; Flavia Persechino; Marco Ardigò

doi:10.5826/dpc.1002a32

In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy in General Dermatology: How to Choose the Right Indication

Authors

Chiara Franceschini Clinical Dermatology Department, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
Flavia Persechino Clinical Dermatology Department, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute (IRCCS) & Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Marco Ardigò Clinical Dermatology Department, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy

Keywords:

reflectance confocal microscopy, static and handled probe, melanoma, nonmelanoma skn cancer, inflammatory diseases, limits

Abstract

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a high-resolution, noninvasive imaging technique being increasingly used as an aid to diagnosis in the dermatology setting. RCM is applied in the diagnosis of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin tumors, but also in the interpretation and management of inflammatory skin diseases. Two different devices with different designs for specific indications are available in the market: a static and a handheld probe. Several clinical presentations of the lesion could affect the examination, such as the presence of ulceration or hyperkeratosis; moreover, the anatomical site can drive the probe selection as well as the effective indication to RCM examination. In this review article, indications for the use of RCM are described in detail with a schematic approach for practical purposes.

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