Surface microscopy is a method of examining the skin by utilizing a dermatoscope consisting of a magnifier (typically ×10), a non-polarized light source, and a transparent plate and a liquid medium between the instrument and the skin. This allows for inspection of skin lesions unobstructed by skin surface reflections and can be used to evaluate several features of lesions that place them at a higher risk for malignancy. Pseudopods, radial streaming, blue/gray veil, and peripheral black dots have been identified as factors suggestive of melanoma.

 Melanoma