skin imaging
Skin Imaging
Dr. Chuah pioneered the non-invasive skin imaging clinic for skin cancer screening using Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) – the first and only such clinic in South-East Asia. This advanced technology provides a quick, non-invasive diagnostic imaging alternative to skin biopsy, enabling early and “benign-looking” skin lesions and skin cancers be accurately diagnosed on the same day for timely management.
Since 2015, Dr. Chuah has performed RCM skin imaging on more than 4,000 skin lesions, assisting over 2,500 patients. Her extensive research and publications in peer-reviewed international journals highlight her expertise in using RCM for skin cancer management. Dr. Chuah’s proficiency with RCM is evidenced by a reported sensitivity of 90.79% and specificity of 99.80% in her recent publication.
- HM Cheng, HY Chia, SH Neo, YW Yew, MWP Tan, SH Tan, STG Thng, SY Chuah. Diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of reflectance confocal microscopy for diagnosis of skin cancers in an Asian population—a cohort study. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024 May 24;316(6):218.
- SY Chuah, KW Cheong, SI Tee, XH Zhao, STG Thng. The role of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnosis and management of lichen planus pigmentosus. Australas J Dermatol . 2022 Nov;63(4):e369-e373. doi: 10.1111/ajd.13916. Epub 2022 Sep 2.
- Chuah SY, Thng STG. The role of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in assessing the stability of vitiligo vulgaris prior to cellular grafting. Skin Res Technol. 2019 Mar;25(2):245-247.
- YL Teoh , LY Kuan, WS Chong , HY Chia , TGS Thng, SY Chuah. The role of reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnosis and management of squamous cell carcinoma in situ treated with photodynamic therapy. Int J Dermatol. 2019 Dec;58(12):1382-1387.
- Long V, Chen QP, Chuah SY, Thng TG. Linear basal cell carcinoma – a diagnosis achieved by the use of confocal microscopy. Malaysian Journal of Dermatology;Dec 2016, 58.
- SY Chuah. Review: Recent Advances in Skin Cancer Imaging. Dermatology Bulletin, June 2017 (Vol.28);2-9.
- SY Chuah, KC Tan, A Thomas, HL Ee, STG Thng. Detection of Residual Lentigo Maligna Using the In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy. Ann Acad Med Singap. 2016 Feb;45(2):71-2.
- Cheng HM, Thng ST, Tan WP, Chuah SY. Handheld reflectance confocal microscopy: A useful tool to aid diagnosis of acral pigmented lesions J Dermatol. 2016 Aug;43(8):980-1.
- Chuah SY, Tee SI, Tan WP, Lee SSJ, Ng SK, Chua SH, Thng TGS. Reflectance confocal microscopy is a useful non-invasive tool in the in vivo diagnosis of pigmented basal cell carcinoma in Asians . Australas J Dermatol. 2017 May;58(2):130-134.
Non-invasive skin imaging (Reflectance Confocal Microscopy)
Non-invasive skin imaging is an advanced technique used to diagnose skin tumors without the need for painful procedures. While dermatologists can often identify suspicious skin features, some lesions require additional invasive skin biopsies for final confirmation. These biopsies involve injecting a local anesthetic, which can be painful, and may leave a scar. Additionally, biopsy results are not immediately available, as they need to be processed and reported by a histopathologist.
Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) has emerged as a novel non-invasive skin imaging technique over the last decade. RCM allows for the examination of the skin down to the level of the papillary dermis (the second layer of skin) with cellular resolution comparable to histology. This validated instrument enables the non-invasive diagnosis of skin tumors, eliminating the need for skin biopsies. RCM provides real-time diagnostics and allows for the monitoring of skin lesion progression over time. It has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity in differentiating skin cancer from benign skin tumors and is also useful for assessing cancer clearance following non-surgical treatments for superficial skin cancer.
- Unlike a skin biopsy, which involves excising a tissue sample, Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) is a non-invasive procedure that does not penetrate or damage the skin.
- The RCM process is completely pain-free, does not leave any scars, and provides real-time images of living tissue.
- RCM enhances diagnostic accuracy, reducing the need for unnecessary invasive surgical excisions.
During a non-invasive skin imaging session using Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM), your physician will first examine your skin lesion. You will then be positioned comfortably, either lying down or sitting up, to allow optimal placement of the RCM probe on the lesion. A liquid, such as water or oil, will be applied to the lesion to enhance image capture. The RCM probe will then be placed on the skin, and you will be asked to remain still for approximately 10 minutes to prevent any movement. The real-time image of the skin lesion will be displayed on a computer screen attached to the RCM probe. The physician will analyze the image and discuss the RCM findings with you.
Benign Lesion: If the lesion appears benign, your physician will advise observation and may schedule a follow-up review in a few months.
Skin Cancer: If the lesion appears to be skin cancer, your physician will discuss the best treatment options with you and arrange for appropriate care during the consultation.
Inconclusive Results: If the lesion appears inconclusive after RCM imaging, your physician may recommend a skin biopsy for further investigation.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
