Confocal Microscopy for Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Malignancies: Clinical Impacts and Innovation

Author Type(s)

Resident/Fellow

Document Type

Review Article

Publication Date

2-23-2023

DOI

10.3390/diagnostics13050854

Journal Title

Diagnostics (Basel)

Department

Dermatology

Abstract

Cutaneous malignancies are common malignancies worldwide, with rising incidence. Most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured if diagnosed correctly at an early stage. Thus, millions of biopsies are performed annually, posing a major economic burden. Non-invasive skin imaging techniques can aid in early diagnosis and save unnecessary benign biopsies. In this review article, we will discuss in vivo and ex vivo confocal microscopy (CM) techniques that are currently being utilized in dermatology clinics for skin cancer diagnosis. We will discuss their current applications and clinical impact. Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive review of the advances in the field of CM, including multi-modal approaches, the integration of fluorescent targeted dyes, and the role of artificial intelligence for improved diagnosis and management.

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