Pop art and actinic keratosis

corresponding

CARMEN CANTISANI1, MASSIMO PAPI2,

1. University “Sapienza” of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Italy

2. ADOI/LILT, Rome, Italy

Abstract

Non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of skin cancer called white cancer, representing about 1/3 of all malignancies diagnosed worldwide each year. Actinic keratosis(AK) is a UV-induced lesion on sun exposed areas, with a malignant potential to progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Early diagnosis is mandatory, and new non-invasive devices are useful also for therapeutic follow-up. Among these devices 3d cameras are becoming popular in dermatologic unit, images colourful joined together reminded us pop-art. This artistic period reflects the spirit of our manuscript with the aim to increase awareness on skin cancer due to UV exposure, preventive strategies and compliance to treatment choice also for aesthetic purpose.


Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy dating to Plato and Aristotle, it is construed to mean the study of the fine and applied arts, aspect and endeavors designed to appeal to any sense. Art is considered as a form of beauty. Individuals consume art to meet higher order needs and pleasure in perceiving beauty and emotion in grasping the meaning of symbols. In the “aesthetic experience”, beauty and expression are inextricably linked. Beauty is often associated to youth, while ageing represent the accumulation of external and internal changes over time, often associated to the loss of beauty. It is characterized by the declining ability to respond to stress increasing homeostatic imbalance and the increased risk of disease. This is a currently irreversible series of event better represented by wrinkles, mainly due to photo-ageing, particularly affecting sun exposed areas, especially in fairy skin related to decreasing of beauty. This will reflect negatively humans relationship. Topic often represented in art, both its negative perception or the positive one as shown by De Dominicis in 1970 “the joung and the ancient”. Ageing gracefully means accepting changes and finding me ...