Reflectance Confocal Microscopy of Aging Skin and Skin Cancer

Stefania Guida; Giovanni Pellacani; Silvana Ciardo; Caterina Longo

doi:10.5826/dpc.1103a68

Reflectance Confocal Microscopy of Aging Skin and Skin Cancer

Authors

Stefania Guida Dermatology UnitUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModena, Italy
Giovanni Pellacani Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy; Dermatologic Unit, Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Silvana Ciardo Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
Caterina Longo Dermatology Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy; Centro Oncologico ad Alta Tecnologia Diagnostica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Keywords:

Skin aging, skin cancer, collagen, blood vessels, reflectance confocal microscopy

Abstract

Skin aging is a complex process that causes morphologic variations. Some of these variations have
been hypothesized to be involved in skin cancer development. This paper reviews current knowledge
of the features of aged skin as seen with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). Basic principles of
the technique are described, and the RCM features of healthy skin and skin cancer are briefly discussed.
Moreover, the RCM features at different layers of young and elderly skin are described, as are
the variations that occur with passing years and in relation to sun exposure that contribute to photoaging
and the development of skin cancer. RCM enables the noninvasive evaluation, at quasi-histologic
resolution, of aging-related skin changes, some of which are shared with skin cancer; this ability helps
avoid skin biopsy. Further research is needed to understand the relation between skin aging and skin
cancer development.

Author Biography

Stefania Guida, Dermatology UnitUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModena, Italy

Dermatology UnitUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModena, Italy

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