Track

Clinical Studies

Abstract

Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is an innovative non-invasive imaging technology that provides real-time, high-resolution images of skin at the cellular level. It has previously been used to monitor treatment effectiveness, understand aging and wound healing, and even visualize some inflammatory skin conditions. However, it has seldom been used for ex-vivo analysis. We conducted a preliminary study utilizing LC-OCT ex vivo on previously biopsy-proven basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), presenting to the clinic for Mohs microscopic surgery. If there was a residual tumor, the tumor was debulked (routine for Mohs) and was analyzed for diagnosis, depth and margins using LC-OCT.  Tissues from ten lesions were studied. We were able to clearly diagnose (SCC vs BCC) and visualize tumor depths and margins in all ten lesions. The technique can be valuable in quick bedside diagnosis before biopsy and excision results. In addition, the visualization of 3D images can delineate tumor depths and margins. The limitations to the study are small sample size and pre-analysis information on diagnosis. While conventional histopathology remains the gold standard for tissue diagnosis, newer tools like LC-OCT and confocal microscopy may be utilized for a quick bedside diagnosis for better management.