The marked increase in the incidence of melanoma coupled with the rapid drop in the survival rate after metastasis has promoted the investigation into improved diagnostic methods for melanoma. High-frequency ultrasound (US), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) are three potential modalities that can assist a dermatologist by providing extra information beyond dermoscopic features. In this study, we imaged a swine model with spontaneous melanoma using these modalities and compared the images with images of nearby healthy skin. Histology images were used for validation.

Over the last few decades, the global incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) has continued to rise.^{1 – 5} Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, with high morbidity and mortality.⁶ While only 2% of skin cancers are diagnosed as melanoma, it accounts for 75% of skin cancer deaths annually.^{7 – 10} Melanoma tumor depth is an important prognostic factor, along with ulceration status.¹¹ Early detection and diagnosis is critical.¹² The 5-year survival rate is 99% for localized melanomas but decreases to 63% with regional metastases and 20% with distant metastases.⁸

Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory disorder believed to result from CD8 + cytotoxic T-cell (CTL)-mediated autoimmune reactions against basal keratinocytes. We present a review of LP following COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Literature searches were conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar from 2019 to 7/2022. 36 articles were selected based on subject relevance, and references within articles were also screened. 39 cases of post-vaccination LP and 6 cases of post-infection LP were found among case reports and case series. 152 cases of post-vaccination LP and 12 cases of post-infection LP were found in retrospective and prospective studies. LP is a rare complication of COVID-19 infection and vaccination that may be mediated by overstimulation of T-cell responses and proinflammatory cytokine production. However, it does not represent a limitation against COVID-19 vaccination, and the benefits of vaccination considerably outweigh the risks.

The Journal of Biomedical Optics (JBO) publishes peer-reviewed papers on the use of novel optical systems and techniques for improved health care and biomedical research.