Reflectance confocal microscopy may enhance the accuracy of histopathologic diagnosis: A case series. (14th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shahriari, Neda; Grant‐Kels, Jane M.; Rabinovitz, Harold; Oliviero, Margaret; Scope, Alon
• Is Part Of: Journal of cutaneous pathology. Volume 46:Number 11(2019)
• Page Start: 830
• Page End: 838
• Publication Date: 2019-08-14
• Subjects: basal cell carcinoma -- confocal microscopy -- histopathology -- melanoma; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1111/cup.13548
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-6987

Abstract

Abstract: Although histopathology is the time‐honored gold standard diagnostic measure in dermatology, several factors may detract from an accurate microscopic diagnosis. Limiting factors include: human error, suboptimal biopsy‐site selection or biopsy technique, and inherent restrictions of vertical tissue sectioning that lead to incomplete microscopic evaluation of the lesion. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non‐invasive imaging tool that allows for the cellular‐level examination of the lesion, at a horizontal plane, which may complement the subsequent vertical histopathological tissue examination. Herein, we report a case series whereby prebiopsy RCM examination enhanced the accuracy of histopathological diagnosis or allowed for a critical appraisal of initial histopathological misdiagnosis.