Non-invasive diagnostic techniques for skin tumors and their potential for use in skin melanoma screening: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, numerous studies are published by authors of different countries to demonstrate the effectiveness of noninvasive methods in the diagnosis of melanoma. Methods. A systematic search was conducted independently in the databases PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) until April 2020 according to certain inclusion criteria. Data extraction was carried out independently, followed by generalization using descriptive tables. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies and the impossibility of carrying out a meta-analysis in view of this, we performed a narrative description. Results. A total of 765 potential publications for inclusion were found and checked, of which 53 were included. By design, the studies were assigned to studies of simultaneous design – 40, to randomized clinical trials – 7, to meta-analysis – 6. Data in the included publications on 76802 skin neoplasms were reported, of which 9070 were melanomas. The extracted data were summarized in descriptive tables. Conclusion. With continuing technological progress, the development of noninvasive imaging technologies in the diagnosis of skin melanoma should follow the path of cost-effective, simple and accurate diagnosis.