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A sensitive and critical part of our body can be subject to a number of skin infections, rashes, or growths, such as moles. Accurate diagnosis is essential and in a number of cases, could require a biopsy.
There is now an alternative, called reflectance confocal microscopy. This uses a safe laser beam, to penetrate beneath your skin and reflect off tissue below the surface, focusing on the selected cells.
An optical biopsy replaces the need for surgical intervention. Digital images down to a cellular level are sent to a screen in real time, which can also be recorded for further study, or future comparison.
Confocal In Practice
A diagnostic device which can literally look through your skin is valuable. There are still conditions which may require alternative evaluation, including skin cancers such as melanoma, SCC in situ (erythroplasia de queserat) and BCC.
For the significant majority of male genital conditions, confocal microscopy is a good choice. To analyse rashes, pigmentation issues and a range of skin conditions often seen in the area, such as inflammatory mucosal diseases, or psoriasis.
Your examination will be carried out by a consultant dermatologist. The confocal aspect uses a hand held scanner, no need to have anything fixed to your skin and an entirely painless procedure.
This will be part of a complete assessment carried out by your consultant. They will naturally discuss your personal and family medical history, how you feel about the condition and carry out any other appropriate investigation.
Confocal microscopy can lead the way, although this should be as an element of individual diagnosis, for effective care and treatment.
Support At Our Clinics
Our confocal, laser scanning microscope was the first in a private UK dermatology clinic and remains rare. We believe that investing in patient care and avoiding surgical procedures makes sense.
A view backed up by early medical studies of the confocal approach. Such as a small 2016 trial, into using confocal microscopy to diagnose genital lichen sclerosus and atrophicus, which saw fine results.
They lead to the right treatment, the real time view brings quicker treatment, good for any condition and for our patients. If we can help in any way, read more on genital infections, or get in touch with our friendly staff.