Contents
Dermatoscopy or demoscopy is the examination of moles on the skin with the use of special equipment that allows you to enlarge the lesions many times and detect any disturbing features. The dermatoscopic examination is painless and takes several minutes. The result is obtained immediately after the test.
What is dermatoscopy and what can you diagnose on the basis of it?
Dermatoscopy examines birthmarks such as discoloration and moles under multiple magnification using special equipment called a dermatoscope. Such examination allows to detect neoplastic changes, especially melanoma (malignant neoplasm of the skin) at an early stage, when it is still possible to recover completely.
The dermatoscope looks like a flashlight with a magnifying glass. With this device, the doctor assesses the condition of the skin nevi and determines whether they are harmless or should be surgically removed and subjected to histopathological examination for the presence of cancerous cells. The dermatoscope magnifies several or several times, and the lighting gives a three-dimensional image, i.e. it allows you to see also the deeper layers of the skin.
All moles are examined during dermatoscopy, so the duration of the examination depends on their number. It is important not to miss any part of the body, even those that the patient cannot see himself (for example the back) and as non-obvious as the soles of the feet, the spaces between the toes and the scalp.
Nowadays, it is also possible to undergo dermatoscopy using modern devices such as digital dermatoscopes – it can be a photodermatoscope or a videodermatoscope. The photodermatoscope takes enlarged photos of the birthmarks and sends the image to the computer, allowing the doctor who analyzes the photo to enlarge it additionally. The doctor then has the opportunity to see the change on the monitor in a high-resolution photo. The recording of the image allows you to compare the changes taking place within the birthmarks. The video dermatoscope allows you to see changes on the computer monitor thanks to an electronic camera. A special program analyzes the change and calculates the probability that it is cancerous. This makes it easier for the doctor who can be sure that he did not overlook any danger.
The doctor performing the dermatoscopy takes into account the following parameters:
- asymmetry of the lesion – irregularly shaped lesions are usually disturbing and should be closely monitored,
- uneven, irregular edges of the lesion,
- protrusion or depression within the lesion,
- uneven or changing color of the birthmark (uneven distribution of the dye),
- diameter above 6 mm,
- changes occurring within the nevus – both its growth and reduction in its size.
The doctor assesses the nevus based on phenomena such as enlargement, change in shape, change in color, inflammation, oozing or bleeding within it, changes in sensation at the site of the lesion and its size greater than 6 mm. The greatest concern is the asymmetry of the colors and shape of the birthmark, the atypical color and the appearance of steel-blue structures. If 2 out of 3 of the above phenomena are found, there is a high probability that the lesion is malignant.
What are the indications for dermatoscopy?
Dermatoscopy is performed in any suspected cutaneous melanoma. It should also be carried out prophylactically, at least once a year during the fall or winter, when the moles are not directly exposed to sunlight.
You should visit a dermatologist whenever something disturbing happens with the skin. Each enlargement or reduction of a nevus (mole, discoloration), rapid formation of many moles or a change in the color of the mole or bleeding from it is an absolute indication for dermatoscopy.
Prophylactic examination should be attended primarily by people with fair complexion, people with freckles and numerous moles on the skin, especially those with irregular shape, people who suffered sunburn in the summer months, and genetically burdened patients, i.e. those with a family history of skin cancer cases. The indications for dermatoscopy are also hemangiomas, cylindrical lesions, seborrheic keratosis of the epidermis, changes in the form of warts and scabies.
If the lesion begins to itch, peel, bleed, have patchy edges, uneven color, and change rapidly, see a dermatoscope as soon as possible.
Also check:
- The first sign of a developing tumor. Don’t ignore it
- Five unusual signs of skin cancer. You must know them!
- This is what skin cancer looks like. Symptoms that must worry you