Dermatologists have recently been incorporating diagnostic imaging techniques in the investigation of cutaneous lesions. The development of ultrasound devices with a frequency greater than 15MHz has led to the creation of the high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), which enables the identification of the skin's different layers and structures as well as appendages. This has expanded its use considerably in various dermatological conditions, particularly in cutaneous neoplasms. Its association with color Doppler allows the study of tumor microcirculation. In the present paper, the authors discuss the main clinical characteristics of malignant cutaneous neoplasms and how high-frequency ultrasound allows a better pre-operative evaluation of those lesions.

Keywords: ULTRASONOGRAPHY; SKIN NEOPLASMS; DIAGNOSIS.

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.

Keywords: CARCINOMA, BASAL CELL; HIDROCYSTOMA; NEOPLASMS; ULTRASONICS

The presence of foreign bodies located on the skin, their size, constitution and precise location are often not perceptible on dermatological clinical examination. Despite their benign nature, the presence of foreign bodies in the skin is associated to high morbidity. High frequency ultrasonography has been widely used in different areas of Dermatology. Technological development and the introduction of devices offering high frequency and high resolution makes this method useful in identifying and guiding the removal of foreign bodies located in the skin. The authors describe a case where high frequency ultrasonography was used to identify and remove a rayfish stinger.

Keywords: ULTRASOUND; ULTRASSONOGRAPHY; FOREIGN BODY; SURGERY