[Ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy and artificial intelligence for skin tumors]

Ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (EVCM) is an innovative diagnostic method that allows tissue samples to be visualized digitally, quickly and in high resolution immediately after removal. It provides dermatologists with an overview of possible pathological findings during the surgical procedure. At present, research in the field of EVCM mainly focuses on basal cell carcinomas, but other tumor entities such as squamous cell carcinomas or malignant melanomas are increasingly being investigated. In addition, preliminary studies show promising results in the additional use of artificial intelligence (AI) for the automated detection of skin tumors and assessment of surgical margins. In future, EVCM and AI could be used together to expedite clinical processes and thus enable patients to be treated in a time and resource efficient manner.