Accessibility Tools

Web Accessibility plugin by DJ-Extensions.com

Number 1 Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care

A. Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Number 1 Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care

A. Skin Cancer Diagnosis

B. Skin Cancer Types

C. Skin Cancer Treatment

D. Pre-Cancerous Lesions

Number 1 Medical Dermatology
(Chronic & Inflammatory Skin Diseases)
Number 3 Pigment & Lesion Disorders
Number 4 Non-Cancer Growth
Number 5 Surgical Dermatology (Non-Cancer Procedures)
Number 6 Cosmetic Dermatology
Dermoscopy PDF

• Dermoscopy

1. What Is Dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive skin examination technique that allows your dermatologist to see skin structures beneath the surface that are not visible to the naked eye.

At our practice, dermoscopy is performed using a DermLite handheld dermoscope during your visit.

👉 Important:

  • No photographs are taken

  • No images are stored or uploaded to your medical chart

  • Dermoscopy is used only for real-time clinical evaluation

2. Why Dermoscopy Is Used

Dermoscopy improves diagnostic accuracy by helping your dermatologist:

  • Evaluate moles and pigmented lesions

  • Distinguish benign spots from suspicious lesions

  • Decide whether a spot should be monitored, biopsied, or reassured

  • Reduce unnecessary biopsies while improving early skin cancer detection

It is commonly used during:

  • Full-body skin exams

  • Spot checks of changing or concerning lesions

  • Evaluation of pigmented, vascular, or inflammatory skin conditions

3. What Can Dermoscopy Help Identify?

Dermoscopy can provide additional detail when evaluating:

  • Moles (nevi)

  • Atypical or changing lesions

  • Early skin cancers (such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma)

  • Seborrheic keratoses (“age spots”)

  • Vascular lesions

  • Some inflammatory skin conditions

4. What to Expect During Dermoscopy

  • The dermatologist places the DermLite device gently against the skin

  • A special light and magnification are used

  • The exam takes seconds per spot

  • There is no pain, cutting, or radiation

You may feel light pressure, similar to a magnifying glass touching the skin.

5. Pre-Op Instructions

(No procedure prep required — these are simple visit tips)

Before Your Appointment

  • Make note of any spots that are:

    • New

    • Changing

    • Bleeding

    • Itching

    • Different from others (“ugly duckling”)

  • Avoid heavy makeup or body oils on areas you want examined

  • Remove nail polish if possible (nails can be part of skin exams)

  • Tie back long hair or bring a clip for scalp evaluation

6. Post-Op Instructions

(No recovery needed)

  • You can return to normal activities immediately

  • If dermoscopy suggests a lesion needs closer evaluation, your dermatologist may:

    • Reassure you and recommend routine monitoring

    • Recommend a skin biopsy (separate procedure)

    • Schedule follow-up if clinically appropriate

There are no restrictions after dermoscopy alone.

Request An Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dermoscopy hurt?

No. Dermoscopy is painless and non-invasive.

No. Dermoscopy is a visual examination only. A biopsy involves removing a small piece of skin and is only done if needed.

Dermoscopy allows visualization of patterns beneath the skin surface that can’t be seen with the naked eye, improving diagnostic accuracy.

Dermoscopy helps identify features that may suggest melanoma, but a biopsy is required to confirm any diagnosis.

It’s used selectively, focusing on moles or spots that need a closer look.

Yes. Dermoscopy uses light and magnification only—no radiation or invasive tools.

Not necessarily. It’s used when your dermatologist feels it will add helpful diagnostic information.