Benign and malignant (melanocytic and non-melanocytic) skin neoplasms: classification, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment tactics (analysis of modern specialized literature and own clinical observations and diagnostic researches)

Abstract

Objective — to analyze the currently existing classifications, possible causes, localization, clinical pattern and course of a number of benign and malignant skin neoplasms, as well as to determine the informative value of modern diagnostic methods (dermatoscopy, high-frequency ultrasound) in order to choose rational treatment tactics.
 Materials and methods. Based on the analysis of the literature and the results of own clinical observations, dermatoscopic and high-frequency ultrasound diagnostic examinations, the clinical manifestations and morphological signs of a number of benign and malignant skin neoplasms are systematized.
 Results and discussion. At the current stage, imaging methods of diagnosis occupy a leading place in the diagnosis of benign and malignant neoplasms of the skin. Relevant diagnostic methods include dermatoscopy and digital dermatoscopy with using artificial intelligence, high-frequency ultrasound, confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography. Particular attention is paid to the diagnostic significance of high-frequency ultrasound, which allows non-invasive, real-time determination of the size and depth of invasion and assessment of the boundaries of benign and malignant skin tumors. The results of our own clinical observations and dermoscopic and high-frequency ultrasound examinations of a number of benign and malignant skin tumors are also presented, with a discussion of the received data. 
 Conclusions. Considering a rather large number of nosologies of benign and malignant skin tumors and their clinical variations, it is important to establish the correct diagnosis in a timely manner. Currently, imaging methods for diagnosing benign and malignant skin tumors, in particular, dermoscopy, high-frequency ultrasound, confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography, are being actively introduced in dermatological practice. High-frequency ultrasound diagnostics of skin neoplasms is a sufficiently informative method that allows non-invasive, real-time determination of the size and depth of invasion, as well as the stage of proliferation of benign and malignant skin neoplasms. The combined use of dermatoscopy and high-frequency ultrasound diagnostics is important for the preliminary differentiation of benign and malignant skin neoplasms. This allows choosing a rational individual treatment tactic, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of the therapy.