Dermatoscopy

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Dermatoscopy

Dermatoscopy (pronounced: der-ma-TOS-ko-pee), also known as dermoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy, is a non-invasive, in vivo technique primarily used for the examination of skin lesions. The term is derived from the Greek words derma, meaning skin, and skopein, meaning to look or to examine.

History

The use of dermatoscopy started in the early 20th century, but it was not until the late 20th century that it became widely used in clinical practice. The development of more sophisticated instruments and the publication of numerous studies on the diagnostic accuracy of dermatoscopy have contributed to its widespread use.

Procedure

Dermatoscopy is performed using a handheld device called a dermatoscope. The dermatoscope illuminates the skin using an intense light source and magnifies the image for detailed examination. The skin surface is usually covered with a liquid medium such as alcohol or oil to eliminate surface reflection.

Applications

The primary use of dermatoscopy is in the evaluation of pigmented skin lesions. It allows for the identification of specific morphologic features that are not visible to the naked eye, thus aiding in the differentiation of benign lesions from malignant ones such as melanoma. Dermatoscopy is also used in the assessment of non-pigmented skin lesions and inflammatory skin diseases.

Related Terms

  • Melanoma: A type of skin cancer that can be diagnosed using dermatoscopy.
  • Pigmented lesions: Skin lesions that have a darker color than the surrounding skin. They can be evaluated using dermatoscopy.
  • Dermatoscope: A handheld device used to perform dermatoscopy.

See Also

External links

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