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Dermatoscopic examination
Dermatoscopic examination is a non-invasive method whereby the dermatologist, with the help of the dermatoscope, a special magnifying glass, visualizes elements and structures in the epidermis of moles that cannot be seen with the naked eye. In this way the structural changes occurring in the moles can be identified early on. Videodermatoscopy is the development of simple dermatoscopy that also provides the patient with the possibility of viewing enlarged images on a screen that is attached to the digital camera. Another advantage of digital videodermatoscopy is the possibility of saving the enlarged images so they can be evaluated and compared at any time. It is an essential method for early diagnosis of skin carcinomas. It is a non-invasive and painless method that can be applied to children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Dermoscopy, also known as dermoscopic examination, is a modern, rapid and non-invasive method of examining skin and skin lesions, used to increase the accuracy of dermatological diagnosis. This examination procedure is carried out using an instrument called a dermatoscope - an essential tool for both dermatologists and beauticians. Using it to assess pigmented lesions, abnormal skin structures or other lesions can detect skin cancer early.
What does a dermatoscopic examination consist of?
During a dermoscopic examination the dermatologist uses the dermatoscope, which enlarges the image of the lesion, allowing both superficial and deep structures to be seen. Dermoscopy is the microscopic analysis of skin lesions, which means it is painless. The dermatologist will ask the patient to lie down on the bed and leave the areas of skin covered with suspicious moles/lesions uncovered. Then, using the dermatoscope, he examines each lesion individually. If the dermoscopic examination is computerised, detailed images of the moles/lesions will be displayed on a computer screen.
Why is dermatoscopic examination important for moles?
In the case of melanocytic nevi, popularly called moles, this type of examination helps to examine each portion of a mole in detail, allowing the most accurate visualization of its features - which would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Dermatoscopic examination is mandatory if changes appear in existing moles. Whether it is a change in the diameter of the mole or a change in appearance or colour, any abnormal detail should refer the patient to the dermatologist, who will perform dermoscopy to check whether or not it is a carcinoma.
Advantages of dermatoscopic examination
Compared to other diagnostic methods, a dermoscopic examination is a cancer screening procedure with many advantages. Firstly, it is non-invasive, unlike biopsy - which involves harvesting tissue for microscopic analysis. Plus, computerised dermatoscopic examination can give the doctor the opportunity to compare stored images, so that he or she can observe the evolution of moles or skin lesions from one year to the next. Dermoscopy can also differentiate between pigmented and non-pigmented lesions and between benign and malignant lesions.
