Magnetic resonance imaging as a novel method of characterization of cutaneous photoaging in a murine model

1.7-Micron Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for Characterization of Skin Lesions-A Feasibility Study

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive diagnostic method that offers real-time visualization of the layered architecture of the skin in vivo. The 1.7-micron OCT system has been applied in cardiology, gynecology and dermatology, demonstrating an improved penetration depth in contrast to conventional 1.3-micron OCT. To further extend the capability, we developed a 1.7-micron OCT/OCT angiography (OCTA) system that allows for visualization of both morphology and microvasculature in the deeper layers of the skin. Using this imaging system, we imaged human skin with different benign lesions and described the corresponding features of both structure and vasculature. The significantly improved imaging depth and additional functional information suggest that the 1.7-micron OCTA system has great potential to advance both dermatological clinical and research settings for characterization of benign and cancerous skin lesions.

State of the art in non-invasive imaging of cutaneous melanoma

BACKGROUND

This review focuses on looking at recent developments in the non-invasive imaging of skin, in particular at how such imaging may be used at present or in the future to detect cutaneous melanoma.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was performed for papers using imaging techniques to evaluate cutaneous melanoma, including melanoma metastasis.

RESULTS

Nine different techniques were found: dermoscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (including multiphoton microscopy), optical coherence tomography, high frequency ultrasound, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and Fourier, Raman, and photoacoustic spectroscopies. This review contrasts the effectiveness of these techniques when seeking to image melanomas in skin.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the variety of techniques available for detecting melanoma, there remains a critical need for a high-resolution technique to answer the question of whether tumours have invaded through the basement membrane.