What is dermatoscopy?
Dermatoscopy is a skin examination technique using a dermatoscope. The dermatoscope has a high quality magnifying lens that allows a thorough examination of the skin structure and can be used to diagnose skin cancer and map moles. A dermatoscope is a hand-held device that takes high-resolution photographs.
What is dermatoscopy?
With a dermatoscope, skin lesions are evaluated for pigmentation, color and structure (symmetry, uniformity, border shape). The evaluation of these characteristics can help in the diagnosis of the following:
- Melanoma
- Benign moles
- Pigmented basal cell carcinoma
- Hemangioma
Dermoscopy can also be used to examine the skin for:
- Hair loss
- Distinguish skin conditions such as psoriasis from eczema.
Dermoscopy is the best diagnostic test to keep track of the evolution of moles and pigmented lesions.
Why is dermoscopy performed?
When performed by an expert, dermoscopy can be effective in identifying melanomas and confirming malignant skin cancers. This can reduce the number of unnecessary excisions of benign lesions. Identifying melanomas under the human eye is somewhat inaccurate and using a dermatoscope improves identification.
Dermoscopy can also be used for patients who have many melanocytic nevi (moles) that do not meet the criteria for melanoma, but appear suspicious. Therefore, a dermoscopy can track any changes in these and determine whether or not a biopsy is needed.
What to expect during a dermoscopy?
During a dermoscopy, a special liquid gel is applied to the area of interest and the dermatoscope is placed over the lesion for examination. This gel allows the physician to see structures below the surface of the skin. Newer models of dermatoscope have eliminated the need for the gel. There is no discomfort felt during a dermoscopy.
What do abnormal results mean?
If malignant tumors are detected, treatment can be planned that will include biopsy and excision.