Minimally invasive modalities for keratinocyte carcinomas Part I: Diagnostics.

Abstract

Keratinocyte carcinoma, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, is the most prevalent form of cancer within the United States, with its incidence rapidly rising annually among patients over 65 years of age and those who are immunocompromised. Over the last decade there have been multiple advancements made in the development of non-invasive diagnostic methods for identification of keratinocyte carcinoma which have the potential to reduce the number of unnecessary skin biopsies. Part 1 of this CME will outline current and emerging non-invasive modalities for the diagnosis of keratinocyte carcinoma including dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, electrical impedance spectroscopy, tape-stripping to isolate genetic material or proteins from the stratum corneum, and artificial intelligence. These methods are particularly helpful in patients with comorbidities or contraindications for skin biopsies, within cosmetically sensitive regions, and patients suffering from biopsy fatigue and/or fear.