Evaluation of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy in Histological Classification and Photodynamic Therapy of Low-risk Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is noninvasive technique utilized for identification and analysis skin malignancies. Several studies have applied CLSM in monitoring the therapeutic effects of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of CLSM in low-risk BCC and the evaluation of photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Methods: We have diagnosed 149 patients with BCC using CLSM and histopathological examination. Based on histopathology, we summarized the classification information of low-risk BCC along with imaging features observed through CLSM. Thirty-four low-risk BCC patients underwent PDT treatment, and we used CLSM to evaluate its efficacy.
Results: Out of 149 participants were diagnosed with BCC by CLSM, 52 were pigmented type, 87 were nodular type and 10 were superficial type. After histopathological examination, 44 out of 52 were pigmented type, five were nodular type and three were superficial type. The results of CLSM were consistent with those of 87 nodular type and 10 superficial type. The CLSM features of nodular were observed in the tissue fissures around the tumor, the pigment mass was the CLSM characteristic of pigmented type. The simultaneous occurrence of inflammation and increased vasculature were characteristics of superficial. The effective rate of PDT was 100%, and the cure rate was 67.6%. At 12 months follow up, the recurrence rate of PDT was 11.8%, 15.0% for nodule type, 10.0% for pigmented type and 0% for superficial type.
Conclusion: The tissue classification of CLSM for low-risk BCC was consistent with histopathology. CLSM can be used to monitor the efficacy of PDT for low-risk BCC.
(© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists.)