VALUE OF PHOTODYNAMICS USING METHYL AMINOLEVULINATE IN BASAL CELL CARCINOMA DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic diagnosis using Methyl Aminolevulinate (PDD) in the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma.

Materials and methods: Ninety-two patients with clinically suspected BCC participated in the study. Patients had a clinical evaluation, diagnostic photodynamics, and biopsy for histopathology. Compare PDD results and histopathology results.

Results: 75/92 patients had histopathological results of BCC. The average age is 66.2 ± 12.2 years old with the highest proportion in the age group of 60-69, with women accounting for a higher proportion than men. Lesions are mainly in the head, face and neck area (92%) and the proportion of pigmented BCC accounts for the majority (80.0%). PDD has a sensitivity and specificity of 61.3% and 47.1%, respectively, in diagnosing BCC. The rate of false negative PDD in the pigmented BCC group was higher than the non-pigmented BCC group with p<0.0.5. Histopathology has no correlation with PDD scan results.

Conclusion: PDD is not more sensitive than clinical in diagnosing basal cell carcinoma. The high prevalence of pigmented BCC reduces the diagnostic ability of PDD.