The role of imaging in the management of patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer: When is imaging necessary?

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Apr;76(4):591-607. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.10.009.

Abstract

When treating aggressive skin cancers, pre- and postoperative imaging provides important information for treatment planning and multidisciplinary cooperation of care. It is important for dermatologists to recognize the clinical scenarios where imaging is indicated in the management of skin cancer. We here address the most common indications for imaging in cutaneous oncology and how to best utilize the modalities available.

Keywords: Merkel cell carcinoma; basal cell carcinoma; computed tomography; dermatofibrosarcoma; imaging; magnetic resonance imaging; perineural invasion; positron emission tomography; protuberans; radiology; skin cancer; squamous cell carcinoma; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Buttocks
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma / surgery
  • Disease Management
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging
  • Peripheral Nerves / pathology
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery
  • Skull / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull / pathology
  • Skull / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Wrist