Abstract
Ultrasonography (US) is useful not only in the search for metastases of malignant skin tumors, but also in the evaluation of their primary lesions. US using a high-frequency probe for superficial lesions enables detailed visualization of the tumor interior. High-intensity spots that reflect calcification, necrosis, and keratinization are observed in the interior of some basal cell carcinomas, making them useful in the diagnosis of these carcinomas. Our departments aggressively perform US before surgery in order to determine the extent of excision necessary. The depths of tumors, as estimated by ultrasound, and those determined by histological assessment were very similar in six patients with basal cell carcinoma who underwent preoperative US. Preoperative US was suggested to be useful in determining the extent of excision in patients with recurrent basal cell carcinoma or those at high risk.Skin Research, 14: 6-11, 2015
