Cited by 148Optical Coherence Tomography ApplicationsCutaneous Melanoma Detection and ManagementNonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies

Applications and future directions for optical coherence tomography in dermatology*

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Wan, B., Ganier, C., Du‐Harpur, X., Harun, N., Watt, F.M., Patalay, R., Lynch, M.D.·2021·British Journal of Dermatology

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive optical imaging method that can generate high-resolution en face and cross-sectional images of the skin in vivo to a maximum depth of 2 mm. While OCT holds considerable potential for noninvasive diagnosis and disease monitoring, it is poorly understood by many dermatologists. Here we aim to equip the practising dermatologist with an understanding of the principles of skin OCT and the potential clinical indications. We begin with an introduction to the technology and discuss the different modalities of OCT including angiographic (dynamic) OCT, which can image cutaneous blood vessels at high resolution. Next we review clinical applications. OCT has been most extensively investigated in the diagnosis of keratinocyte carcinomas, particularly basal cell carcinoma. To date, OCT has not proven sufficiently accurate for the robust diagnosis of malignant melanoma; however, the evaluation of abnormal vasculature with angiographic OCT is an area of active investigation. OCT, and in particular angiographic OCT, also shows promise in monitoring the response to therapy of inflammatory dermatoses, such as psoriasis and connective tissues disease. We additionally discuss a potential role for artificial intelligence in improving the accuracy of interpretation of OCT imaging data.

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  1. Huang D, Swanson EA, Lin CP et al. Optical coherence tomogra- phy. Science 1991; 254:1178-81.

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Authors
Wan, B., Ganier, C., Du‐Harpur, X., Harun, N., Watt, F. M., Patalay, R., & Lynch, M. D.
Affiliations
  • King's College London (GB)
  • Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine King’s College LondonGuy’s Hospital Great Maze Pond London UK
Venue
British Journal of Dermatology
Published
2020-11-08
Volume
184
Issue
6
Pages
1014-1022
ISSN
  • 0007-0963 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2133
OpenAlex
W3088595766
Cited by
148
References
96
Citations by year
2026: 31 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 43 · 2023: 24 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 7
FWCI
0.96
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • British Journal of Dermatology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
The Wellcome Trust DBT India Alliance (211276/E/18/Z)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Optical Coherence Tomography Applications
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cutaneous Melanoma Detection and Management
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies
Keywords
optical coherence tomography, skin imaging, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, cutaneous blood vessels, psoriasis, connective tissue diseases, inflammatory skin diseases, treatment response monitoring, artificial intelligence, non-invasive diagnosis
MeSH terms
Artificial Intelligence, Cross-Sectional Studies, Dermatology, Humans, Skin Neoplasms, Tomography, Optical Coherence

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