ADVANCES IN NON-INVASIVE DIAGNOSTIC METHODS FOR EARLY DETECTION OF SKIN CANCER IN BLACK WOMEN: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF DERMOSCOPY, REFLECTANCE CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY, OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY, ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY, MULTISPECTRAL IMAGING, AND ADHESIVE PATCH BIOPSY

Abstract

Skin cancer, including melanoma, poses significant challenges in early detection and diagnosis, particularly in Black women, due to unique skin pigmentation characteristics. This narrative review explores the advancements in non-invasive diagnostic methods tailored explicitly for early skin cancer detection in Black women. The article focuses on six essential techniques: dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), multispectral imaging, and adhesive patch biopsy. The review delves into the principles, efficacy, limitations, and potential applications of each method in the context of diverse skin types. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of specialized training for accurately interpreting these diagnostic tools in Black women and underscores the urgent need for further validation studies in diverse populations. This comprehensive review aims to provide valuable insights for dermatologists, oncologists, and researchers working towards improving early skin cancer detection and management in Black women.