|
SkinCancerNet Article
Dermoscope: A Device that Helps Detect Melanoma
Dermatologists diagnose skin cancer by first identifying a lesion
that has the visual characteristics of skin cancer and then removing
the lesion, or part of it, for microscopic examination (biopsy).
While a biopsy is still the most accurate diagnostic method for
confirming or excluding a diagnosis of skin cancer, a handheld
microscope-like device called a "dermoscope" can help dermatologists
evaluate areas of concern. Used to evaluate melanomas and other
pigmented skin lesions, the dermoscope magnifies a pigmented lesion
and allows the dermatologist to see through the stratum corneum
(bottom of the outermost layer of skin), which permits a detailed
view of structures within the skin that are usually invisible to the
unaided eye.
Studies have shown that dermatoscopy, also referred to as "surface
microscopy" and "epiluminescence microscopy," can help determine:
-
Whether or not the pattern of pigmentation in a lesion indicates cancer, which improves a dermatologist’s accuracy in
determining which skin lesions should be biopsied
-
If the pigmented section of a lesion is wider than the portion
visible to the unaided eye, which helps ensure that the entire
lesion and the right amount of unaffected skin is removed during
treatment
-
If change is occurring in an atypical mole (when combined with
baseline and follow-up photographs) that is not yet visible to the
unaided eye, which aids in early detection
What a Dermatologist Sees Without and With a Dermoscope
To give you an idea of the visible differences that a dermoscope
provides, the following photographs show the same lesion viewed
without and then with a dermoscope.
|
 |
 |
|
WITHOUT a dermoscope, this lesion resembles seborrheic keratoses
(a non-cancerous growth that develops on the outer layer of
skin).
|
WITH a
dermoscope, branched streaks at the edge of the lesion and
white areas within are visible, which suggests melanoma. A
biopsy confirmed the lesion was melanoma.
|
|
 |
 |
|
WITHOUT a dermoscope, this
lesion looks suspiciously like melanoma.
|
WITH a dermoscope, a
pigmented network, branched streaks at the edge, and
variegated color are clearly visible. Biopsy confirmed
the lesion was nodular melanoma.
|
|
 |
 |
|
WITHOUT a dermoscope, this
lesion looks suspiciously like melanoma.
|
WITH a dermoscope, the
characteristics of superficial spreading melanoma are clearly
visible. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.
|
(Photos used with permission of the
American Academy of Dermatology
National Library of Dermatologic
Teaching Slides)
The enhanced view provided by a
dermoscope also helps dermatologists to determine if additional
diagnostic procedures may be necessary and to select an appropriate
course of treatment. Of course, several other aspects, such as the
patient’s risk factors and medical history, also are considered.
References:
Langley RGB et al. Clinical characteristics. In: Balch CM et al (Eds).
Cutaneous Melanoma, 3rd ed. St. Louis: Quality Medical Publishers,
Inc.; 1998:82-101.
Langley RGB et al. Neoplasms: cutaneous melanoma. In: Freedberg IM
et al (Eds). Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine, 5th ed.
New York: McGraw-Hill; 1999:1097-99.
An educational program brought to you by the American Academy of
Dermatology. |
 |
|
