Article information
Summary
In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) constitutes a novel non-invasive imaging method that enables visualization of cells and structures in living skin in real time with resolution close to histological analysis. RCM has been successfully implemented in the assessment of benign and malignant lesions. It also enables monitoring dynamic changes in the skin over time and in response to different stimuli, such as ultraviolet exposure or specific treatments. The non-invasive nature of this technique allows repetitive sampling without biopsy collection, causing no further damage to the areas under investigation. In this article, I provide an overview of RCM, including the latest technological advances as well as novel applications in the characterization of both normal and pathological skin.
Key words:
reflectance confocal microscopy
non-invasive imaging techniques
in vivo microscopy
skin cancer
Resumen
La microscopía confocal de reflectancia (MCR) in vivo constituye un novedoso método de imagen no invasivo que permite la visualización de células y estructuras de la piel viva en tiempo real, con una resolución próxima al estudio histológico. La MCR también se ha implementado con éxito para la valoración de lesiones benignas y malignas. Asimismo, permite detectar los cambios dinámicos en la piel con el paso del tiempo y en respuesta a diferentes estímulos, como la exposición a la radiación ultravioleta o a tratamientos específicos. La naturaleza no invasiva de esta técnica permite repetir las muestras sin realizar una biopsia, evitando así causar más daño a las zonas que están siendo estudiadas. En este artículo se aporta una visión de conjunto sobre la MCR, incluyendo los últimos avances tecnológicos, así como las aplicaciones novedosas para la caracterización de la piel sana y enferma.
Palabras clave:
microscopía confocal de reflectancia
técnica no invasiva
microscopía in vivo
cáncer cutáneo
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