An Investigation of the Correlation Between OCT and Histology in Defining the Margins of Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique which shows the internal structure of living tissue (in vivo). It is safe, quick and painless to perform, and does not damage the tissue in any way. Recent advances in the technology mean that it can now be used to take images of the internal structure of the skin. This is useful because certain conditions, such as skin cancers, alter this structure. At present a suspected skin cancer is identified by taking a sample (a biopsy) which is analysed under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis. The cancer is then excised including a margin of apparently healthy-looking skin around it to ensure that the entirety of the tumour is removed. The excised tumour is then analysed again under a microscope to confirm that it was indeed completely removed (histology), after which a further operation is required to repair the defect.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate OCT imaging of a particular type of skin cancer called a basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and in particular BCCs affecting the skin around the eyes (periocular). The study will compare the ability of OCT to define the margin of the BCC with the current 'gold standard' of histology. OCT could potentially improve the investigators ability to define the margins of the tumour before surgery and become a guide for minimally invasive surgery. The preservation of healthy tissue represents a priority, particularly in the area of the skin surrounding the eye.