Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:37
Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2022
Multiple hypersonographic spots in basal cell carcinoma.
Hisashi Uhara1, Koichi Hayashi, Hiroshi Koga
1Department of Dermatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Asahi, Matsumoto, Japan. uhara@hsp.md.shimshu-u.ac.jp
Summary
High-frequency ultrasound revealed hypersonographic spots in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Multiple spots (Type A and B) were specific to BCC, aiding in its differential diagnosis from melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) aids in preoperative assessment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) extension.
- Diagnostic contribution of HFUS is currently limited.
- Hypersonographic spots have been observed in BCC cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of hypersonographic spots in basal cell carcinoma.
- To differentiate between basal cell carcinoma and melanoma using ultrasound findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of archived sonographic images (30/15-MHz) and histology.
- Inclusion of 29 basal cell carcinomas and 56 melanomas.
- Classification of hypersonographic spot patterns (Type A, B, C, D).
Main Results:
- Four patterns of hypersonographic spots were identified in BCCs: Type A (multiple, >5 spots/lesion, 48%), Type B (sparse, 3-5 spots/lesion, 24%), Type C (multiple moderate, 10%), and Type D (sparse moderate, 17%).
- Melanoma controls showed only Type D pattern; Types A, B, and C were absent.
- Histopathology correlated spots with calcification, horn cysts, or apoptotic cell clusters in BCC nests.
Conclusions:
- Multiple hypersonographic spots (Types A and B) show potential as a diagnostic marker.
- This finding may improve differential diagnosis between basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
