JLE

European Journal of Dermatology

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Newer technologies/techniques and tools in the diagnosis of melanoma Volume 18, numéro 6, Novembre-Décembre 2008

Auteurs
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Jamaica, NY 11375, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, RMSB, Room 2023A (R250), Miami, FL 33136, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, RMSB, Room 2023A (R250), Miami, FL 33136

A number of non-invasive approaches have been developed over the years to provide an objective means of evaluating and diagnosing skin melanoma. However, the current gold-standard in melanoma diagnosis is the examination of a skin lesion by the trained eye of a physician followed by histological examination of an invasive excisional biopsy of the skin specimen. Diagnosis of melanoma by simple visual examination is incorrect in almost 1 out of every 3 melanoma diagnoses. Therefore, the diagnosis of early stage in-depth melanoma by non-invasive methods remains an active area of research. Recent advancements in computer and digital technology have provided several sensitive tools to evaluate the different characteristics of a melanoma lesion including its contour, edge, color, size, depth, and/or elevation. These tools include (1) digital imaging systems and computer analysis instruments such as MoleMax™, SIAscope™, SolarScan ®, MelaFind TM; (2) tape stripping mRNA; (3) laser-based technology such as Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI), (4) Ultrasonography, and (5) other imaging tools such as electrical bio-impedance, MRI and PET scan. The ultimate goal of all investigational instrumentation is the prevention of unnecessary biopsies and a decrease in the prevalence and morbidity associated with malignant melanoma.