In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy imaging of melanocytic skin lesions: consensus terminology glossary and illustrative images

Abstract

Background: Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has been used for over 10 years for in vivo skin imaging. However, to date no standard RCM terminology has been published.

Objective: To establish a glossary of terms for RCM evaluation of melanocytic lesions.

Methods: Prominent RCM researchers were presented with RCM images of melanocytic lesions. Reviewers evaluated RCM images for image quality, lesion architecture, and cellular details. Reviewers could utilize published descriptors or contribute unpublished terminology to describe lesion attributes. An online meeting was conducted to reach consensus that integrates and defines existing and new RCM descriptive terms.

Results: We present a glossary with descriptors of image quality, normal skin morphology, lesion architecture, and cellular details for RCM evaluation of melanocytic lesions.

Limitations: Usefulness of the glossary in RCM diagnosis of melanocytic lesions needs to be assessed.

Conclusion: Standardization of terminology is important toward implementation of RCM in the clinical setting.