Page 21 - Noninvasive Diagnostic Techniques for the Detection of Skin Cancers

Figure 3. Distribution of all abstracts by study type

RCT = randomized, controlled trial

Over half of the abstracts addressed melanoma detection and diagnosis (60 percent) and 13
percent addressed BCC or SCC (see Figure 4). The remainder covered skin cancer combinations
or did not specify the type of skin cancer lesion (see Appendix D, Table D2). In considering
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devices in current use, we reviewed the classification system presented by Marghoob 2003 in
which the devices are compared by skin imaging depth. This classification system helped to
clarify the type of information gleaned from the imaging device as well as alternative devices
designed to capture similar information. For example, photography is considered a quaternary
device, providing information at the superficial level, while dermoscopy helps to characterize
lesions at the tertiary level (e.g., cellular aggregates or blood vessels). Neither of these devices is
designed to delineate specific cellular and subcellular structures. Investigational devices, such as
confocal microscopy may provide that level of resolution. In general, issues of access,
availability, and degree of required training, increase with tissue depth. Outcome measures
reported in the published primary studies are presented in Appendix D, Table D4.

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