Basal cell carcinoma: the utility of in vivo and ex vivo confocal microscopy

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Dec;32(12):2090-2096. doi: 10.1111/jdv.14984. Epub 2018 May 18.

Abstract

The use of confocal microscopy is possible using two different modalities: first, at patient's bedside for a rapid in vivo diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and second, in the operating room directly on freshly excised specimen for a fast ex vivo margin-controlled surgery. In the current review, we report the main application of confocal microscopy for basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and management in both modalities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intravital Microscopy
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery