Background and Rationale
Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows in vivo evaluation of the skin with near-histologic resolution. Integrating RCM into clinical dermatology has been shown to reduce unnecessary excisions of benign lesions and improve diagnostic accuracy compared with dermoscopy alone.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) enables the identification of key genetic mutations in atypical nevi and melanomas, providing valuable insights into their biological behavior and potential malignant transformation.
This study aims to evaluate the correlation between characteristic RCM features and molecular findings obtained through NGS in melanocytic lesions already scheduled for surgical excision, to improve early diagnosis of melanoma and risk classification.
Objectives Primary Objective
To assess the diagnostic relevance of characteristic RCM features - specifically atypical cells and DEJ disarrangement - in melanocytic lesions already scheduled for surgical excision due to dermoscopic suspicion of atypical nevus or melanoma.
Secondary Objectives
To correlate RCM morphological features with molecular profiles obtained through NGS in both nevi and early-stage melanomas, comparing the genetic and morphologic patterns between these two groups.
To identify distinctive biological and molecular signatures that may differentiate early-stage melanomas from benign nevi, providing potential markers for early diagnosis and risk stratification.
Funding Statement
This study is funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, through the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under PNRR - M4C2-I1.3 Project PE\_00000019 HEAL ITALIA, CUP E93C22001860006.
