Confocal microscopy, or in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), is an advanced non-invasive sub-surface imaging technique used by trained expert dermatologists.
It allows for the dermatologist to view detailed and magnified cellular level skin images of the top two skin layers (epidermis and dermis) at the bedside.
The confocal examination is painless, non-invasive and last approx. 15-45minutes. It is suitable for most individuals, including children and pregnant women.
Confocal microscopy is used when uncertainty arises with clinical and dermoscopic examination of pigmented (or other suspicious) lesions.
WHO BENEFITS FROM CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY?
- Patients seeking non-invasive or scar free investigations, with pigmented lesion(s) requiring further investigation.
- Patients with cosmetic concerns or needle/surgery phobias, with pigmented lesion(s) requiring further investigation.
- Pregnant women with changing moles.
- Children with moles requiring further investigation
- To target biopsy of large pigmented lesion(s) to the most atypical area.
- For pre-surgical margin mapping of lentigo maligna (melanoma in situ) at complex and cosmetically sensitive sites.
- Post treatment monitoring of lentigo maligna (melanoma in situ) with narrow or incomplete margins of excision, not suitable for further surgery.
WHEN IS CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY NOT SUITABLE?
- For thick, scaly or ulcerated lesions
- For lesions on the palms, soles or nails (and some eyelid lesions)
- For subcutaneous or deep skin lesions.
Dr Helena Collgros is our expert trained confocal dermatologist at Perth Dermatology Clinic with over a decade of experience. Dr Collgros is happy to be contacted to discuss suitability of referral or to plan confocal microscopy mapping prior to surgical treatment of lentigo maligna. Please email [email protected] for this purpose.
