High frequency ultrasound (22MHz) in the differentiation between hidrocystoma and basal cell carcinoma

Ultrasonography is a diagnostic imaging method, which is painless and non-radioactive, and based on the reflection of sound waves through the tissue. The recent development of high frequency and better resolution equipment has enabled the observation of superficial structures and the identification of the different layers, structures, and appendages of the skin, considerably increasing its use in various dermatological conditions – particularly in skin cancer. The authors present two cases in which the association of dermoscopic and ultrasound examinations allowed the careful in vivo analysis of tumor morphology, contents, size, thickness and vascularization, allowing the differentiation between basal cell carcinoma and hidrocystoma, and thus contributing to better pre-operative assessment.