1
|
Guerra LO, Leão Santos AC, Cortinoz JR, Magalhães RF, Vasques LI, Leonardi GR. Photographic scale for the characterization of actinic keratosis through reflectance confocal microscopy: a quantitative approach to cellular transformation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1391859. [PMID: 39296900 PMCID: PMC11409188 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1391859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Actinic keratosis (AK) is a highly prevalent pre-cancerous skin lesion that often leads to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. There are different stages of evolution of the disease and several features that characterize keratosis. This study aimed to develop a qualitative and quantitative visual diagnostic tool to facilitate the identification of the characteristics and severity of the main cellular attributes of AK and to show its applicability in evaluating the evolution or treatment through image analysis. Methods Literature research on the main scientific databases and in the institute's database was carried out to gather all the different levels of cellular transformation. To validate the scale, a preliminary characterization study was carried out with 21 subjects who had clinically diagnosed AK lesions to classify the attributes in each skin layer and test the accuracy of the diagnosis of the scale. Afterward, and to show the possibility of a follow-up with a topical treatment, the subjects were divided into two treatment groups, receiving either a cream formulation containing retinoic acid, or a placebo formula. The evaluation was carried out through confocal reflectance microscopy and a digital camera with dermoscopic quality before and after 90 days of treatment. Results A table detailing the 18 attributes of AK, and a photographic scale containing RCM images graded by scores established for each characteristic and the frequency of spreading were developed. The results of the validation presented good repeatability, correlation with clinical evaluation, and capacity for differentiating treatments demonstrated by the significant improvement after topical treatment by the reduction of the score for 10 out of the 18 attributes. The preliminary study, evaluated by the detailed transformation scale highlights important differences in the subclinical approach that allows a deeper evaluation of the aspects of the lesion's re-incidence even after fully treated skin sites. Conclusion This study brings an innovative method based on RCM, to assist in the quantification of cell transformation level, provide early diagnosis, and deliver a powerful treatment evaluation tool to provide smoother treatment, as well as prevent re-incidence in the cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Offenbecker Guerra
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- ALS - Allergisa Pesquisa Dermato-Cosmetica Ltda., Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Leão Santos
- ALS - Allergisa Pesquisa Dermato-Cosmetica Ltda., Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Ferreira Magalhães
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Dermatology Outpatient Clinic, Clinics Hospital, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Louise Idalgo Vasques
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Ricci Leonardi
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ambrosio L, Pogorzelska-Antkowiak A, Retrosi C, Di Lella G, Spadafora M, Zalaudek I, Longo C, Pellacani G, Conforti C. Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Dermoscopy for the Diagnosis of Solitary Hypopigmented Pink Lesions: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2972. [PMID: 39272830 PMCID: PMC11394582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16172972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing solitary pink skin lesions poses a significant challenge due to the scarcity of specific clinical and dermoscopic criteria. Several benign lesions, such as cherry angioma, clear cell acanthoma, dermal nevus, keloid, hypertrophic scar, and Spitz nevus, often exhibit similar clinical and dermoscopic features. This similarity extends to some malignant lesions, including basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and amelanotic melanoma, making differentiation difficult. Recent studies highlight the enhanced diagnostic accuracy of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), which offers increased sensitivity and specificity compared to dermoscopy alone for diagnosing skin cancer. This study aims to summarize the application of dermoscopy and RCM in distinguishing between benign and malignant pinkish-reddish skin lesions. The integration of RCM with traditional dermoscopic techniques improves the ability to accurately identify and differentiate these lesions. However, it is crucial to note that for any suspicious lesions, a final diagnosis must be confirmed through surgical excision and histopathological evaluation. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, highlighting the importance of combining advanced imaging techniques in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ambrosio
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Internal Anesthesiologic Cardiovascular Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IDI-IRCCS, Dermatological Research Hospital, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Retrosi
- IDI-IRCCS, Dermatological Research Hospital, 00167 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Spadafora
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
- Skin Cancer Center, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Iris Zalaudek
- Department of Dermatology, Maggiore Hospital, University of Trieste, 34125 Trieste, Italy
| | - Caterina Longo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
- Skin Cancer Center, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pellacani
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical Internal Anesthesiologic Cardiovascular Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kandolf L, Peris K, Malvehy J, Mosterd K, Heppt MV, Fargnoli MC, Berking C, Arenberger P, Bylaite-Bučinskiene M, Del Marmol V, Dirschka T, Dreno B, Forsea AM, Harwood CA, Hauschild A, Heerfordt IM, Kauffman R, Kelleners-Smeets N, Lallas A, Lebbe C, Leiter U, Longo C, Mijušković Ž, Pellacani G, Puig S, Saiag P, Šitum M, Stockfleth E, Salavastru C, Stratigos A, Zalaudek I, Garbe C. European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of actinic keratoses, epithelial UV-induced dysplasia and field cancerization on behalf of European Association of Dermato-Oncology, European Dermatology Forum, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and Union of Medical Specialists (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes). J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:1024-1047. [PMID: 38451047 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
A collaboration of multidisciplinary experts from the European Association of Dermato-Oncology, the European Dermatology Forum, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and the European Union of Medical Specialists was formed to develop European recommendations on AK diagnosis and treatment, based on current literature and expert consensus. This guideline addresses the epidemiology, diagnostics, risk stratification and treatments in immunocompetent as well as immunosuppressed patients. Actinic keratoses (AK) are potential precursors of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and display typical histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of this malignancy in an early stage. They can develop into cSSC in situ and become invasive in a low percentage of cases. AK is the most frequent neoplasia in white populations, frequently occurring within a cancerous field induced by ultraviolet radiation. Since it cannot be predicted, which lesion will progress to cSCC and when treatment is usually recommended. The diagnosis of AK and field cancerization is made by clinical examination. Dermatoscopy, confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography or line-field confocal-OCT can help in the differential diagnosis of AK and other skin neoplasms. A biopsy is indicated in clinically and/or dermatoscopically suspicious and/or treatment-refractory lesions. The choice of treatment depends on patients' and lesion characteristics. For single non-hyperkeratotic lesions, the treatment can be started upon patient's request with destructive treatments or topical treatments. For multiple lesions, field cancerization treatment is advised with topical treatments and photodynamic therapy. Preventive measures such as sun protection, self-examination and repeated field cancerization treatments of previously affected skin areas in high-risk patients are advised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Kandolf
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ketty Peris
- UOC di Dermatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Addominali ed Endrocrino Metaboliche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dermatologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Josep Malvehy
- Dermatology Department of Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto Carlos III, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Klara Mosterd
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Markus V Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, Uniklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Concetta Fargnoli
- Dermatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Uniklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CC ER-EMN), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Petr Arenberger
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital of Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matilda Bylaite-Bučinskiene
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Dermatovenereology, Centre of Dermatovenereology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Veronique Del Marmol
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Dirschka
- Faculty of Health, University Witten-Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- CentroDerm Clinic, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Brigitte Dreno
- Nantes Université, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in ImmunoTherapy, INCIT, UMR 1302/EMR6001, Nantes, France
| | - Ana-Maria Forsea
- Department of Oncologic Dermatology, Elias University Hospital Bucharest, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catherine A Harwood
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Axel Hauschild
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
| | - Ida Marie Heerfordt
- Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roland Kauffman
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Frankfurt University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nicole Kelleners-Smeets
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aimilios Lallas
- First Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Celeste Lebbe
- Université Paris Cite, AP-HP Dermato-oncology, Cancer institute APHP, Nord Paris cité, INSERM U976, Saint Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Ulrike Leiter
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Caterina Longo
- Skin Cancer Center, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Željko Mijušković
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Defence, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Giovanni Pellacani
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Susana Puig
- Dermatology Department of Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto Carlos III, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philippe Saiag
- Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, APHP, & EA 4340 "Biomarkers in Cancerology and Hemato-Oncology", UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Mirna Šitum
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Eggert Stockfleth
- Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carmen Salavastru
- Department of Pediatric Dermatology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexander Stratigos
- 1st Department of Dermatology-Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Andreas Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Iris Zalaudek
- Dermatology Clinic, Maggiore Hospital, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Claus Garbe
- Centre for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Verzì AE, Broggi G, Caltabiano R, Micali G, Lacarrubba F. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography of lentigo maligna with horizontal and vertical histopathologic correlations. J Cutan Pathol 2023; 50:118-122. [PMID: 36056910 PMCID: PMC10087826 DOI: 10.1111/cup.14321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Lentigo maligna (LM) is a subtype of in situ melanoma that classically presents in elderly patients as a slowly growing lesion on sun-exposed areas that may evolve to invasive melanoma. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a new non-invasive technique for a real-time, vertical, and horizontal skin imaging with high resolution close to conventional histopathology. We present the LC-OCT features of an LM of the nose in a 49-year-old white man along with their horizontal and vertical histopathological correlations. LC-OCT was able to detect in vivo, in both horizontal and vertical imaging, the main microscopic features typical of LM by showing, in the epidermis and around the hair follicles, the presence of large, bright roundish, or dendritic atypical cells, with evident nuclei, corresponding to atypical melanocytes with a tendency toward folliculotropism. A strong correspondence between LC-OCT images and vertical and horizontal histopathological sections was observed. Our study, although limited to a single case, is indicative of the great potential of LC-OCT to improve the non-invasive diagnosis of LM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department "G.F. Ingrassia," Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department "G.F. Ingrassia," Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Y, Tan L, Huang J, Tang Z, Tong X, Gao L, Zeng J. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy for monitoring actinic keratosis treated with 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy. Skin Res Technol 2021; 27:871-879. [PMID: 33847402 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Actinic keratosis (AK) occurs frequently in sun-exposed skin while its diagnosis and treatment were still in exploration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty two patients with facial AK lesions were selected and examined with reflective confocal microscopy (RCM) firstly, followed by biopsy at the same site. RCM was used to observe AK lesions before 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) treatment, after the first treatment, after 4 treatments, and at 1 and 6 months follow-up. Retrospective analysis of RCM images was performed. RESULTS Thirty two AK cases showed initial RCM microscopic features including disorderly arranged epidermal cells (100%), atypical keratinocytes (100%), and blurry border between the epidermis and dermis (100%). 4 patients quitted trail. After treatments, 24 cases showed basically regular arrangement of epidermal cells, absent atypical keratinocytes, and clear border between epidermis and dermis, while 4 cases improved little. At 1 and 6 months follow-up, 23 cases remained relapse-free while 1 case developed recurrent symptoms. Effective rate of 4 ALA-PDT treatments for AK was 100%; recurrence and cure rates were 4.2% and 82.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION ALA-PDT is effective to treat AK, while RCM can be recommended for in vivo evaluating and monitoring the effect of ALA-PDT on AK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuezhong Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lina Tan
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoliang Tong
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lihua Gao
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinrong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|