Reflectance confocal microscopy: Principles, basic terminology, clinical indications, limitations, and practical considerations Review


Authors: Shahriari, N.; Grant-Kels, J. M.; Rabinovitz, H.; Oliviero, M.; Scope, A.
Review Title: Reflectance confocal microscopy: Principles, basic terminology, clinical indications, limitations, and practical considerations
Abstract: Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive imaging tool used for in vivo visualization of the skin. It has been extensively studied for use in the evaluation of equivocal cutaneous neoplasms to decrease the number of biopsy procedures in patients with benign lesions. Furthermore, its applications are broadening to include presurgical cancer margin mapping, tumor recurrence surveillance, monitoring of ablative and noninvasive therapies, and stratification of inflammatory disorders. With the approval of category I Current Procedural Terminology reimbursement codes for RCM image acquisition and interpretation, use of this technology has been increasingly adopted by dermatologists. The first article in this 2-part continuing medical education series highlights basic terminology, principles, clinical applications, limitations, and practical considerations in the clinical use of RCM technology. © 2020 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc.
Keywords: reflectance confocal microscopy; presurgical planning; logistics; basic terminology; billing; optical principles; specificity and sensitivity; tumor recurrence surveillance
Journal Title: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume: 84
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0190-9622
Publisher: Mosby Elsevier  
Date Published: 2021-01-01
Start Page: 1
End Page: 14
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.05.153
PUBMED: 32553679
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 4 January 2021 -- Source: Scopus
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