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A study has found that a new, non-invasive skin cancer imaging technology is significantly more accurate at diagnosing basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type skin cancer, compared to the usual diagnostic methods.
Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) gives detailed 3D images at cellular level and could therefore reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies and excisions in cases of superficial BCC (a subtype that can be treated non-surgically).
LC-OCT is better at differentiating between BCC and BCC-imitators
The authors of the study, who presented their findings at the 31st EADV Congress, analysed 303 lesions, including 173 BCC and 130 BCC-imitators (such as squamous cell carcinoma, actinic and seborrheic keratosis, dermal nevus, and inflammatory conditions).
When differentiating between the two, LC-OCT increased the diagnostic accuracy by 12% compared to dermoscopic examination alone – the most commonly used skin cancer diagnostic technique.
The technology was also more accurate at differentiating between BCC and superficial BCC compared to dermoscopic examination alone (from 80% to 92%).
The study also produced a diagnostic algorithm useful to guide the clinician’s diagnosis towards different BCC and BCC-imitators’ subtypes. The algorithm is based on the most powerful LC-OCT morphological criteria that came out from their comprehensive statistical analysis.
Authors say new technology should be included in the diagnostic process and management of BCC
BCC is mainly caused by sun exposure or use of tanning beds. While it grows slowly and rarely spreads, it is the most common form of cancer worldwide and incidence has doubled in the past 20 years. In Europe, the incidence is between 50 and 80 new patients per 100 persons, per year.
Professor Mariano Suppa, a lead researcher and consultant dermatologist from Italy, said the findings indicate that new technology should be included in the diagnostic process and management of BCC.
She said: “Diagnosing basal cell carcinoma can be challenging using clinical or dermoscopic assessments alone and it is crucial that the condition is correctly diagnosed in order to treat it properly.
“We found that the accuracy of diagnosis can be improved by at least 12% using LC-OCT, both in terms of differentiating BCCs from other skin conditions, and of identifying BCC subtypes that do not require surgery.”