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High-Frequency Dermatologic Ultrasound

20-50 MHz skin imaging: tumor staging and inflammatory disease evaluation

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is High-Frequency Dermatologic Ultrasound?

Conventional ultrasound (5-15 MHz) does not visualize skin layers in detail. High-frequency dermatologic ultrasound (HFUS) is divided into 20-25 MHz (mid-frequency, 12-15 mm depth) and 50-100 MHz (very high frequency, 2-5 mm). UHF (50+ MHz) provides epidermal-dermal-subcutaneous detail.

Indications: melanoma Breslow thickness assessment (preoperative; 0.5 mm accuracy), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) thickness/lateral extent (Mohs surgery planning), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), morphea-scleroderma activity assessment, hidradenitis suppurativa staging, psoriasis-eczema severity, dermatologic filler/HA assessment.

Technical advantages: real-time, non-ionizing, immediate result, repeatable, low cost. Limitation: poor skull-bone-air penetration. Color/power Doppler shows tumor vascularity (hypervascular = melanoma vs hypovascular = basal cell). HFUS is becoming standard in modern dermatology and is highlighted in 2022 EADV/EFFOMUSC guidelines.

Symptoms

Suspected pigmented skin lesion
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) preoperative planning
Melanoma preoperative Breslow assessment
Morphea-scleroderma activity follow-up
Hidradenitis suppurativa staging
Aesthetic filler/HA evaluation

Risk Factors

Personal melanoma/skin cancer history
Atypical mole
Family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma)
Severe sunburn history (childhood)
Fair skin (Fitzpatrick I-II)
Frequent UV exposure

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Suspected mole change (color, size, asymmetry)
  • New, rapidly growing skin lesion
  • Persistent skin nodule (>4 weeks)
  • Worsening hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Morphea progression follow-up
  • Postoperative recurrence suspicion

Treatment Methods

01
20-50 MHz linear transducer use
02
B-mode + Color Doppler combined imaging
03
Comparison with normal contralateral skin
04
Lesion thickness measurement (mm precision)
05
Doppler vascularization scoring
06
Modern dermatologic centers (HFUS service availability)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.