Abstract
BackgroundEarly diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is potentially possible using optical coherence tomography (OCT) which provides non-invasive, real-time images of skin with micrometre resolution and an imaging depth of up to 2mm. OCT technology for skin imaging has undergone significant developments, improving image quality substantially. The diagnostic accuracy of any method is influenced by continuous technological development making it necessary to regularly re-evaluate methods. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of OCT in basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and actinic keratosis (AK) as well as differentiating these lesions from normal skin. MethodsA study set consisting of 142 OCT images meeting selection criterea for image quality and diagnosis of AK, BCC and normal skin was presented uniformly to two groups of blinded observers: 5 dermatologists experienced in OCT-image interpretation and 5 dermatologists with no experience in OCT. During the presentation of the study set the observers filled out a standardized questionnaire regarding the OCT diagnosis. Images were captured using a commercially available OCT machine (Vivosight ®, Michelson Diagnostics, UK). ResultsSkilled OCT observers were able to diagnose BCC lesions with a sensitivity of 86% to 95% and a specificity of 81% to 98%. Skilled observers with at least one year of OCT-experience showed an overall higher diagnostic accuracy compared to inexperienced observers. ConclusionsThe study shows an improved diagnostic accuracy of OCT in differentiating AK and BCC from healthy skin using state-of-the-art technology compared to earlier OCT technology, especially concerning BCC diagnosis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.