This atlas provides a detailed overview of the novel technique of ex vivo confocal microscopy for rapid imaging of excised tissues in dermatological practice. It features an extensive collection of ex vivo images acquired from normal skin structures and from a variety of neoplastic lesions (benign and malignant) and inflammatory lesions. Each chapter contains several image types of a particular disorder, including gray-scale, digital purple-pink images (DHE) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) correlations to assist the acquisition of diagnostic skills. Guidance on how to use techniques for tissue preparation, staining, handling and image acquisition are also provided enabling the reader to develop confidence in integrating this technique into their day-to-day practices. Furthermore, this atlas also provides an update on the ongoing latest advances in the field.

Cutaneous Atlas of Ex Vivo Confocal Microscopy covers how to apply these techniques into dermatological practice, especially in Mohs surgery for the evaluation of keratinocytic neoplasm and in dermatopathology for rapid evaluation of varied skin lesions. It is therefore a valuable resource for trainee, residents, practicing dermatologists and dermatopathologists who are seeking a resource to assist in developing their knowledge and skills of utilizing these methodologies. 

Dr. Manu Jain is an Assistant Attending and an optical imaging specialist in the Department of Dermatology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). She has over 10 years of experience working in the field of optical imaging (i.e., in vivo/ex vivo microscopy) that includes technologies such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM), multiphoton microscopy (MPM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). At MSKCC, Dr. Jain is leading the clinical, research, and teaching program for RCM in dermatology. She also collaborates with a team of engineers and computational analysts for computer-aided diagnosis of confocal images of skin. She is the Vice President of American Confocal Group and Past-Secretary of the International Tele-Dermatology Society (ITDS). She also created and directs the Annual CME accredited Confocal Course at MSK. Dr. Jain has published many peer-reviewed articles in reputed journals and co-authored several book chapters. She has been an invited speaker at multiple national and international meetings.

Dr. Kishwer Nehal the Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery in the Department of Dermatology at MSKCC. She conducts clinical research on noninvasive imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy and has published the first dedicated book on lentigo maligna melanoma. She works with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network to develop guidelines on managing skin cancers. Besides, she helped the American Joint Committee on Cancer to develop staging criteria for squamous cell carcinomas. She has shared her expertise at national and international meetings and written numerous journal articles and book chapters.

Dr. Mercedes Sendín Martín is a physician in the Department of Dermatology at Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (Seville, Spain), where she works on research related to new optical imaging techniques during her residency program. She is specially focus on confocal imaging research, and published last year an alternative technique for obtaining colored ex vivo confocal images.