Reflectance Confocal Microscopy of Aging Skin and Skin Cancer

Abstract

Skin aging is a complex process that causes morphologic variations. Some of these variations havebeen hypothesized to be involved in skin cancer development. This paper reviews current knowledgeof the features of aged skin as seen with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). Basic principles ofthe 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 arethe variations that occur with passing years and in relation to sun exposure that contribute to photoagingand the development of skin cancer. RCM enables the noninvasive evaluation, at quasi-histologicresolution, of aging-related skin changes, some of which are shared with skin cancer; this ability helpsavoid skin biopsy. Further research is needed to understand the relation between skin aging and skincancer development.