03 May OCT Laser Device Allows Visualization of Skin Without Biopsy

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Orit Markowitz

Orit Markowitz, MD, FAAD
Director of Pigmented Lesions and Skin Cancer
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Mount Sinai Medical Center, NY, NY
Director of Pigmented lesions clinic
Brooklyn VA, Brooklyn, NY
Adjunct Professor, Dermatology
SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Chief of Dermatology
Queens General Hospital, Jamaica, NY

MedicalResearch.com: How common is skin cancer? Is the incidence rising in US adults?  Who is most at risk?

Dr. Markowitz: The annual incidence of skin cancer is more than breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer combined. Of the 7 most common skin cancers in the US melanoma is the only one whose incidence is increasing. The highest risk group for skin cancer are fair skin, adults with a history of sun exposure.

MedicalResearch.com: What is Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)?  Can it be used to both diagnose and treat skin cancers?  What type of skin cancer is OCT a possible treatment for?  What type of patient is a good candidate for OCT?

Dr. Markowitz: OCT is a laser device that allows visualization of the skin without a biopsy. It is FDA approved for non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosis and is currently being used in the non-invasive management of skin cancer. Any patient with a suspicious lesion is a candidate for OCT. While OCT does not treat skin cancer it enables non-invasive treatment monitoring of skin cancers.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Markowitz: This device can help limit the need for biopsies and therefore decreasing cutting of the skin.

MedicalResearch.com: What research projects are you working on or planning?

Dr. Markowitz: We just published an article ( see link below) on using the new vascular features of the newest OCT device to now not only diagnose and monitor non-melanoma but also to aid in the diagnosis of dysplastic nevi and melanoma.

In the past, OCT was used in non-melanoma skin cancer management and diagnosis but with the new software upgrade we are now researching using the technology to look at blood flow and diagnose melanoma and atypical moles.

http://escholarship.org/uc/item/7w10290r?query=Markowitz,%20O

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on May 6, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD