M A Price1, G D Goldstein. 1. Skin and Mohs Surgery Center, Baptist Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Digital imaging systems are now commercially available, reasonably affordable, and much improved in quality. OBJECTIVE: To present our 2-year experience with a digital imaging system in Mohs and dermatologic surgery practice and to inform readers of the equipment needed, its cost, uses, advantages, and disadvantages compared with conventional photography. CONCLUSION: The advantages of a digital imaging system include quality images, easy storage and retrieval, and cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages are few: a substantial initial investment and the training of office personnel in its use and maintenance. Uses include monitoring nevomelanocytic lesions, surgical photo documentation, medical records, and a photographic research database.
BACKGROUND: Digital imaging systems are now commercially available, reasonably affordable, and much improved in quality. OBJECTIVE: To present our 2-year experience with a digital imaging system in Mohs and dermatologic surgery practice and to inform readers of the equipment needed, its cost, uses, advantages, and disadvantages compared with conventional photography. CONCLUSION: The advantages of a digital imaging system include quality images, easy storage and retrieval, and cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages are few: a substantial initial investment and the training of office personnel in its use and maintenance. Uses include monitoring nevomelanocytic lesions, surgical photo documentation, medical records, and a photographic research database.