Dermoscopy: An Overview of the Principles, Procedure and Practice

Abstract

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive, diagnostic imaging technique that involves the use of a device with built-in illumination and magnification systems that enable clear visualization of skin surface and sub-surface structures and patterns. The principal aspect of dermoscopic assessment of a lesion is to visualize the structures invisible to naked eye or to the routinely employed magnifying lens. The dermoscopic features correspond to clinical and histological features and most often may serve as diagnostic features when viewed in the context of the clinical picture. Although primarily employed for analysis and monitoring of melanocytic (pigmented) lesions, the utility of dermoscopy has been explored in other skin lesions (non-pigmented and inflammatory lesions) as well. This chapter provides a brief overview of the basic aspects of dermoscopy.