Melanoma or pigmented basal cell carcinoma: A clinical-pathologic correlation with dermoscopy, in vivo confocal scanning laser microscopy, and routine histology Journal Article


Authors: Charles, C. A.; Marghoob, A. A.; Busam, K. J.; Clark-Loeser, L.; Halpern, A. C.
Article Title: Melanoma or pigmented basal cell carcinoma: A clinical-pathologic correlation with dermoscopy, in vivo confocal scanning laser microscopy, and routine histology
Abstract: Background/purpose: New techniques are being explored for improving diagnostic accuracy of pigmented skin lesions. Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) may represent such a novel technique. The purpose of this report was to demonstrate the potential application of CSLM as an aid in the diagnosis of a pigmented skin lesion that is clinically suspicious for melanoma. Methods: An irregular pigmented lesion was examined clinically and dermoscopically. The lesion was imaged by CSLM and subsequently excised for histologic examination. Findings from CSLM were correlated with features observed on the dermoscopic and histologic examination. Results: Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) allowed for the non-invasive visualization of the histologic features of superficial pigmented BCC, including buds and "islands" of tumor cells at the dermoepidermal junction and melanin-laden macrophages. Conventional histology confirmed the diagnosis of pigmented BCC. Conclusion: Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) may serve as an aid in the non-invasive diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions clinically suspicious for melanoma.
Keywords: aged; clinical feature; histopathology; case report; diagnostic procedure; melanoma; dermoscopy; basal cell carcinoma; confocal microscopy; image analysis; microscopy, confocal; skin neoplasms; dermoepidermal junction; diagnosis, differential; differential diagnosis; pathology; epiluminescence microscopy; skin tumor; carcinoma, basal cell; confocal laser microscopy; clinical examination; humans; human; male; article; confocal scanning laser microscopy; pigmented basal cell carcinoma
Journal Title: Skin Research and Technology
Volume: 8
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0909-752X
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell  
Date Published: 2002-11-01
Start Page: 282
End Page: 287
Language: English
DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0846.2002.00353.x
PUBMED: 12423549
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 14 November 2014 -- Source: Scopus
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
MSK Authors
  1. Allan C Halpern
    396 Halpern
  2. Carlos Charles
    13 Charles
  3. Ashfaq A Marghoob
    534 Marghoob
  4. Klaus J Busam
    688 Busam