What is dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy is a specialized technique for examining suspicious skin lesions. The doctor uses a small hand held microscope. This instrument is placed close to or lightly against the skin. Many extra details of the skin lesion can now be seen.
There are two main types of dermoscope. One type requires a fluid to be placed on the instrument before it is placed on the skin. The other version involves a series of polarizing lights around the lens of the instrument.
The idea is to remove surface reflections from the skin. In this way the dermoscope allows the doctor to see features and structures deep under the surface.
Is it needed?
The subtle features seen through the dermoscope have been carefully researched and better understood over the last two decades. We now know that many skin cancers can be identified earlier and more accurately with a dermoscope than without such an instrument.
Importantly, research has shown that doctors skilled at using a dermoscope will not need to remove as many benign lesions in order to be sure they are not melanomas.
As such, dermoscopy is now regarded as an essential skill for any doctor managing skin cancers, especially melanoma.
Education
Having the dermoscope instrument is not sufficient. Research has also shown that a doctor needs to be formally trained to use the dermoscope accurately and effectively. Education in dermoscopy is an integral and important part of skin cancer management training. Dr. Dixon has been involved in dermoscopy education and training for many years.
Dermoscopic photographs
Sometimes it is an advantage to record a photo through the dermoscope. For example, sometimes a mole might have slight changes that are only mildly suspicious. In this situation, the doctor may choose to image the lesion with a view to comparison at a later date. If months later the lesion has deteriorated since the image, excision may be recommended at that point. Often months later the mole looks exactly the same through the dermoscope.This is a reassurance that nothing is growing in the lesion.
Dr. Anthony Dixon