Author

Thomas P.Habif, M.D.
Adjunct Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), Dartmouth Medical School

Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy is a method of skin examination that utilizes an optical instrument with a light source. The instrument allows visualization of pigmentation patterns and skin structures that are deeper than can be seen with the naked eye. It is most useful for the early diagnosis of malignant melanoma and to differentiate melanoma from other pigmented lesions such as atypical nevi. It increases diagnostic accuracy over clinical visual inspection in the hands of experienced, trained providers.

Images courtesy of
Dr Giuseppe Argenziano
Professor of Dermatology
Department of Dermatology
Second University of Naples
Naples, Italy

http://www.dermoscopy.org