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Author: Dr Amanda Oakley MBChB FRACP, Dept of Dermatology Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2004.
Dermoscopy or dermatoscopy refers to the examination of the skin using skin surface microscopy, and is also called ‘epiluminoscopy’ and ‘epiluminescent microscopy’. Derm(at)oscopy is mainly used to evaluate pigmented skin lesions. In experienced hands it can make it easier to diagnose melanoma.
Dermoscopy requires a high quality magnifying lens and a powerful lighting system (a dermatoscope). This allows examination of skin structures and patterns. There are several different lightweight, battery-powered hand-held devices. Convenient attachments allow video or still photography, including via smartphone.
Dermoscopy
Computer software can be used to archive dermoscopy images and allow expert diagnosis and reporting (mole mapping). Smart programs may aid in diagnosis by comparing the new image with stored cases with typical features of benign and malignant pigmented skin lesions.
Using dermoscopy, the pigmentation of the lesion is evaluated in terms of colour(s) and structure.
Colours found in pigmented skin lesions include black, brown, red, blue, grey, yellow and white.
The colours of dermoscopy
Characteristics of the dermatoscopic structure of the skin lesions include:
There are specific dermoscopic patterns that aid in the diagnosis of the following pigmented skin lesions:
Skin lesions viewed by dermoscopy
Dermoscopy may also be used for detailed skin surface examination in some other circumstances, for example:
See smartphone apps to check your skin.
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