What is Dermatoscopy

Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive examination of the skin using a dermatoscope with illumination and magnification. The method allows visualization of epidermal microstructures and the dermoepidermal junction that are not visible to the naked eye.

Why Dermatoscopy Is Needed

Dermatoscopy increases the accuracy of differentiation between benign and malignant lesions, helps identify lesions that require biopsy, and thus reduces interventions on lesions without medical indications.

This is supported by comparative reviews and meta-analyses: dermatoscopy is more accurate than naked-eye examination in detecting melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Dermatoscopy improves the accuracy of early diagnosis, which increases the chances of successful treatment.

How Often to Have Dermatoscopy

• Expert organizations advise monthly skin self-examinations and seeing a dermatologist for any changes in lesions.

• For high-risk groups: scheduled preventive check-ups with a dermatologist every 6–12 months, sometimes with total body photography and digital dermatoscopic monitoring.

Risk groups include people with very fair skin/hair/eyes; numerous or atypical nevi; a family or personal history of melanoma or other skin cancer; a history of intense UV exposure/sunburns; immunosuppression (including post-transplant); large congenital nevi.

• In selected cases, short follow-up intervals of 3–6 months are possible. The frequency is determined individually.

Indications for Dermatoscopy

Dermatoscopy is indicated for:

• any new, changing, or “different from the others” lesions
• uneven pigmentation, asymmetry, border changes, rapid growth
• nevus trauma, bleeding, itching
• follow-up examinations in patients at increased risk.

Preventive Check-ups to Reduce Risk

Regular preventive check-ups combined with self-examination make it possible to record minimal changes in moles and detect skin cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. In high-risk patients, it is advisable to plan systematic surveillance with periodic dermatoscopy and, if needed, digital monitoring.

How Dermatoscopy Is Performed

1. The doctor takes a brief history and examines exposed skin areas; if needed — full-body dermatoscopy with documentation.

2. The dermatoscope is applied to the skin; a contact plate or gel is sometimes used to reduce glare. The exam takes only seconds per lesion and is painless. Nothing is scraped, and no biopsy is performed: this is a safe, non-invasive method. If dermatoscopic features are suspicious, the doctor may recommend a biopsy as a separate procedure to confirm the diagnosis.

Equipment We Use for Dermatoscopy

Our clinic uses a polarized dermatoscope ILLUCO IDS-1100. It provides 10× magnification, a large ~25 mm field of view, and cross and parallel polarization modes for clear visualization without glare; photo documentation is possible. This increases the informativeness of the exam and the convenience of longitudinal follow-up.

Why Dermatoscopy Matters for Early Detection

Many critical signs are invisible to the naked eye. Dermatoscopy reveals dermatoscopic markers of melanoma (for example, the “blue-white veil,” “shiny white structures”) that are associated with a higher likelihood of malignancy, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and prompting timely treatment.

When to Seek Care Immediately

Use the ABCDE rule and seek care if you notice:

• Asymmetry
• Border — irregular, notched edges
• Color — uneven pigmentation
• Diameter — size > 6 mm
• Evolution — any change over time (size, shape, color, symptoms).

Frequently Asked Questions About Dermatoscopy

Is it painful? No. The exam is painless and does not damage the skin. Biopsy is needed only to confirm the diagnosis of suspicious lesions.

Is “just once a year” enough? For people without symptoms the schedule is individualized; at minimum, monthly self-exams and a visit if changes appear. For high-risk patients, regular professional check-ups every 6–12 months are advisable.

Does dermatoscopy replace a biopsy? No. It is a non-invasive triage step that indicates what requires histological confirmation. 

Dermatoscopy is a basic tool for early detection of skin cancer and safe monitoring of moles. Regular self-exams plus professional dermatoscopic follow-up as indicated are the best strategy to catch dangerous changes in time. Book an exam if you notice any new or changing lesions, or if you belong to a risk group.

Dermatoscopy Cost