Reflectance confocal microscopy: Diagnostic criteria of common benign and malignant neoplasms, dermoscopic and histopathologic correlates of key confocal criteria, and diagnostic algorithms

Abstract

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a high-resolution, noninvasive tool that is currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for obtaining and interpreting images of the skin and cutaneous neoplasms with the goal of decreasing unnecessary biopsy procedures in patients with benign lesions. The second article in this continuing medical education series focuses on identifying key criteria for the diagnosis of common skin cancers-melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. We contrast these findings with RCM features of common benign lesions-melanocytic nevi, solar lentigo, seborrheic keratosis, lichen planus-like keratosis, and sebaceous hyperplasia. We also correlate the dermoscopic and histopathologic findings with the RCM features.

Keywords: BCC; SCC; benign neoplasms; diagnostic algorithms; melanoma; nevi; reflectance confocal microscopy.