What is it?
Dermatoscopy (also known as dermoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy) is the examination of skin lesions with a dermatoscope, that is a hand held optical device, much like a magnifying glass, with a light source attached. The doctor places this device over the suspicious cutaneous lesion and it can be observed in a great detail.

Which are the advantages of this method?
This instrument is helpful to dermatologists in distinguishing benign from malignant (cancerous) lesions, especially of aid in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma.
This clear view of the skin can help with differentiate pigmented lesions (nevi/moles) from non-pigmented lesions and also to distinguish benign lesions from malignant lesions.

Dermoscopy can be used to justify a case for surgical excision meaning that helps to avoid unnecessary surgery and improves patient morbidity and mortality.
Dermaoscopy is also useful because makes possible a complete and precise examination of every patient that comes to dermatology office.

Body map – What is it?
Body map is a method of recording in electronic format the images resulted through examination of nevi/ moles. This procedure makes possible to re-exam the images obtained on regular basis.

When is necessary to have a body map?
This procedure is highly indicated to “at risk” individuals (people with a history of skin cancer, lots of moles or funny looking moles).