Dermoscopy
Did you know that most cases of skin cancer we detect are not noticed by our patients during their own skin examinations?
Although self-examination is a very important tool for detecting and treating various skin lesions, including moles, it should not replace a professional examination by a qualified physician.
During a full skin examination, a dermatologist uses dermoscopy to examine and analyze skin lesions in detail.
What is dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive method of examining the skin using a special device called a dermatoscope, which magnifies a lesion and allows it to be assessed. Dermoscopy significantly facilitates the clinical diagnosis of all pigmented skin lesions, as it has no contraindications and is particularly important in the early stages of disease. This is especially true for cutaneous melanoma, an aggressive malignant skin tumor, which makes early detection extremely important.
Indications for dermoscopy include:
- Changes in a lesion (increase in size or changes in shape, color, or structure)
- Pain or itching in the area of the lesion
- Trauma to moles
- A large number of moles
- A history of frequent sunburn
- A family history of melanoma
During the examination, we determine the diagnosis, assess whether the lesion is benign or malignant, and decide on the next steps.
Dermoscopy can also be used for a detailed examination of the skin surface, for example:
- Non-pigmented skin lesions
- Detection of scabies mites
- Differentiation of certain skin conditions, such as lichen planus, from others such as psoriasis or eczema
- Assessment of hair loss (trichoscopy)
It is important to undergo screening skin examinations using a dermatoscope:
For all patients – once a year
For patients at risk – once every 6 months.
