Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy is the examination of skin lesions with a Dermatoscope. A Dermatoscope is a tool, which traditionally consists of a magnifier light-source device that when used by a trained specialist allows for enhanced inspection of skin lesions.

Why do we use dermoscopy?

• To help differentiate a malignant from a non-malignant skin lesion.
• To observe an analyze skin lesions without the hindrance of skin surface reflections.
• It may also allow clinicians to determine the surgical margin for skin cancers that are difficult to define with the naked eye.

What are the advantages of using dermoscopy?

• Better diagnostic accuracy of skin cancers.
• Reduction in unnecessary biopsies and excision operations of benign lesions.
• Diagnosis of very early skin cancers.
• Monitoring dark moles for changes.

What training is required to perform dermoscopy?

• Many Dermatologists gain expertise in residency from various trained physicians.
• Annual conferences focus presentations on the latest techniques on using dermoscopy.
• Literature and research is continuously being published from Dermatologists who specialize in dermoscopy.