Practical use of High-Resolution 20 MHz Ultrasonography in Dermatovenerology

Abstract

Abstract High-frequency skin ultrasonography using Dermascan C, manufactured by Cortex Technology, is an important part of modern diagnostic procedure of various skin diseases. It has been used in dermatology since 1979, when it was first used for the measurement of cutaneous thickness. Ultrasonography is a universal, painless, low-risk and non-invasive procedure that can easily be performed and repeated. It provides real-time visual information about the processes in the skin. This technique has grown to become frequent imaging method in dermatology. Skin ultrasonography is usually applied in the assessment of skin tumours, inflammatory or fibrosing skin diseases. The main application of ultrasonography in dermatovenerology is a preoperative thickness measurement of malignant melanoma. There is an excellent correlation between ultrasonographic and histological measurements of melanomas thickness. Moreover, information about the lesion quality and the inner structure can be obtained. In this article authors present the possibility of using high-frequency 20 MHz ultrasonography in dermatovenerology.