Confocal Microscopy for Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Malignancies: Clinical Impacts and Innovation

Cutaneous malignancies are common malignancies worldwide, with rising incidence. Most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured if diagnosed correctly at an early stage. Thus, millions of biopsies are performed annually, posing a major economic burden. Non-invasive skin imaging techniques can aid in early diagnosis and save unnecessary benign biopsies. In this review article, we will discuss in vivo and ex vivo confocal microscopy (CM) techniques that are currently being utilized in dermatology clinics for skin cancer diagnosis. We will discuss their current applications and clinical impact. Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive review of the advances in the field of CM, including multi-modal approaches, the integration of fluorescent targeted dyes, and the role of artificial intelligence for improved diagnosis and management.

Automated summary

Cutaneous malignancies, including melanoma, are increasingly common worldwide and early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment. Non-invasive skin imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy, can aid in early detection and reduce unnecessary biopsies. This review article discusses the current applications of confocal microscopy in dermatology clinics and the advances in the field, including multi-modal approaches and the use of artificial intelligence.