The role of non-invasive modern techniques in the diagnosis of skin cancers: Tele-Reflectance Confocal Microscopy, Tele-consult and E-learning

Abstract

By developing non-invasive techniques such as dermatoscopy, confocal microscopy (RCM) and confocal endomicroscopy, teledermatology has entered a new age. The benefits of confocal microscopy are multiple by providing real-time dermatologist support for early diagnosis of suspected melanoma lesions that are still in curable stages, preventing unnecessary interventions and postoperative scars for benign lesions. It can also be used as a follow-up method for topical chemotherapy or laser ablation treatments for basal and spinocellular cancers. The utility of tele dermatology in RCM aims at the implementation of confocal microscopy/endomicroscopy as an early diagnostic method in daily practice as well as in research projects.