High-Frequency Ultrasound Examination in the Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

Abstract

Ultrasound above 14 MHz images epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues in real time. Tumor depth is ascertained with B-mode. Three-dimensional imaging depicts nonpalpable, in-transit, and satellite lesions. Doppler blood flow technologies measure tumor neovascularity and map vascular structures. Three-dimensional Doppler histogram reconstruction measures tumor aggression and metastatic potential proportional to the percentage of malignant vessels. Subcutaneous investigation reveals nonpalpable metastatic disease and nodal basin lymphadenopathy. Adjacent nerves may be studied. Preservation of the fat-fascia border refines surgical staging of deeper malignancies. Image-guided biopsy is facilitated. Treatment under image guidance is optimized with radiation and various photo and thermal technologies.

Keywords: 3D Doppler sonography; Image guided treatment; Malignant melanoma; Nonmelanoma skin cancer; Sentinel node biopsy; Ultrasound guidance.