Some dark spots are good for you… some are not.
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive, widely used photographic method of examining pigmented lesions or moles. It can lead to early detection of melanomas.
This is a technique for examining the skin to diagnose skin problems, using a handheld device known as a dermatoscope. The dermatoscope combines strong magnification with good lighting to +/- a polarising filter to enable your dermatologist to get the best view possible of your skin problem.
Dermoscopy is useful in diagnosing all forms of skin problems, but it is particularly helpful for the diagnosis of skin cancer, especially melanoma.
Dermoscopy and moles
Dermoscopy can be used to analyze a mole under the surface without any discomfort to the patient. It provides a far more detailed and accurate assessment of skin lesions than is possible with the naked eye. Moles recorded by dermoscopy can be compared over time so that even the slightest change that might indicate a pre-cancerous or cancerous change can be detected.
This highly accurate mapping of a mole results in greatly improved detection rates of melanomas and other skin cancers, as well as improved accuracy in differentiating between benign and malignant growths.
Early identification of skin cancer can save lives!
If you have a mole or other skin issues, please contact us and schedule an appointment.