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Related Concept Videos

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Confocal microscopy is an advanced microscopic technique. The prime advantage of the confocal microscope over other microscopy techniques is its ability to block the out-of-focus light from the illuminated samples using pinholes. It is widely used with fluorescence optics to obtain high-resolution, sharp contrast images. Unlike optical microscopes, confocal microscopes use a focused beam of light laser to scan the entire sample surface at different z-planes. These microscopes are, therefore,...
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Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy or TIRF is an advanced microscopic technique used to visualize fluorophores in samples close to a solid surface with a higher refractive index, such as a glass coverslip. TIRF only allows fluorophores in proximity to the solid surface to be excited. When light from a medium with a lower refractive index (such as air) hits the glass coverslip at a critical angle, the light undergoes total internal reflection stead of passing through the glass.
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Three-dimensional imaging techniques are essential in cell biology, allowing researchers to visualize intricate cellular structures with high resolution. Two prominent methods, Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy (DIC) and Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM), provide distinct advantages for imaging live and thick specimens, respectively.Differential Interference Contrast MicroscopyDIC microscopy enhances contrast in transparent, unstained samples by converting phase...
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Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
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Reflectance confocal microscopy: Principles, basic terminology, clinical indications, limitations, and practical

Neda Shahriari1, Jane M Grant-Kels2, Harold Rabinovitz3

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|June 20, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) offers noninvasive in vivo skin imaging. This technology aids in diagnosing skin lesions, mapping cancer margins, and monitoring treatments, reducing unnecessary biopsies.

Keywords:
basic terminologybillinglogisticsoptical principlespresurgical planningreflectance confocal microscopyspecificity and sensitivitytumor recurrence surveillance

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive in vivo skin imaging technique.
  • It is utilized for evaluating equivocal cutaneous neoplasms, aiming to reduce biopsy procedures for benign lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the basic terminology, principles, clinical applications, limitations, and practical considerations of RCM technology.
  • To support the increasing adoption of RCM by dermatologists.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and clinical applications of RCM.
  • Discussion of RCM's role in various dermatological scenarios.

Main Results:

  • RCM has demonstrated utility in diagnosing skin lesions and reducing biopsies.
  • Expanding applications include cancer margin mapping, recurrence surveillance, therapy monitoring, and inflammatory disorder stratification.

Conclusions:

  • RCM is a valuable noninvasive tool in dermatology with broadening clinical applications.
  • The recent approval of reimbursement codes facilitates its wider adoption and integration into clinical practice.