Analysis of melanocytic nevus based on photoacoustic microscopy

Melanoma is a highly malignant cutaneous tumor, and its early recognition is critical for improving treatment outcomes and patient survival. Related to this is melanocytic nevus, a common skin lesion whose association with melanoma has been of great interest. Photoacoustic microscopy, one of the most promising techniques in skin imaging, has many features applicable to in vivo imaging of dermatologic conditions, such as imaging of cutaneous microvascular and pigmented lesions. It has the advantages of high spatial resolution, nondestructiveness, and relatively large penetration depth for imaging oxygen and deoxyhemoglobin (HbO2 and HbR) as well as melanin. The aim of this study is to explore melanocytic nevi in depth by photoacoustic microscopy and to provide new technical support for the prevention and early diagnosis of melanoma.