Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Enhances Detection Sensitivity for Flat Amelanotic/Hypomelanotic Melanoma Differential Diagnosis

Source: Dermatology Times, April 2024

Diagnostic accuracy of lesions was enhanced with combined dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy, according to one study.

When combined with traditional dermoscopy, the use of adjunctive reflectance confocal microscopy is capable of increasing the overall diagnostic sensitivity of flat amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma (fAHM) differential diagnosis, according to a recent study. The study, published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology,1 shed light on a proposed model of identifying solitary flat pink lesions.

In 2020, researchers Lan et al conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of scientific literature relating to the combined use of dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy for fAHM detection.2 The review yielded a total of 7 studies and a total of 111 lesions. As a result of the review, researchers found that alone, both detection methods offer good diagnostic accuracy, high specificity, and moderate sensitivity, with reflectance confocal microscopy demonstrating more accuracy than dermoscopy in the diagnosis of these lesions.
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