Could new techology mean the end of biopsies? A trip to the British Association of Dermatology Conference in July 2008 at the Liverpool Arena Conference Centre gave three of our committee members the opportunity to see first hand and to experience the advances in scanning equipment used for the early detection and diagnosis of skin cancer.

 

This new technology offers a non-invasive view into the layers of the skin meaning that a substantial number of biopsies can be avoided. Through the use of clinical photographs and laser scanning microscopes the dermatologist or plastic surgeon is able to obtain an 'optical biopsy' of the skin, which measures the extent of lesions. This will allow surgeons the opportunity to perform real-time assessments and cut down on the waiting time for patients for the results of biopsies.

Hand held lasar scanning equipment is designed for flexible use in a clinical setting and will enable simplified screening of living tissue.

Scanning microscopes are also available to assist in a surgical setting and for the first time, the analysis of the tissue sample is possible immediately. The surgeon will be in a position to assess the margins of excised skin and determine whether or not the lesion has been successfully removed.

As far as the Gorlin Syndrome patient is concerned this is good news and a real advance, and one which should see the end of all those biopsies as the new technology is introduced into clinics.