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| Dermatoscope |
Dermoscopy definition:
Dermatoscopy, or dermoscopy, is a technique used by dermatologists to more precisely study various skin lesions. It requires the use of a tool called a dermatoscope (or dermoscope), which is made up of a magnifying lens and light, whether polarized or not. It is an illuminating magnifying glass that magnifies 10 times, and which allows you to better visualize the skin in its thickness, in its superficial part.
Dermatoscopy is an integral part of the dermatological examination.
The dermatologist simply places the dermatoscope on the lesions that he believes need to be analyzed more precisely, it is a quick and painless examination.
Dermatoscopy has been validated to increase the diagnostic accuracy of pigmented lesions in particular, alopecia areata, and in general of skin cancers, carcinomas and melanomas in particular.
The dermatoscope can be connected to a camera and a computer, which allows photos of certain lesions to be stored in the patient's file, to facilitate their monitoring. This also makes it possible in certain cases to map the nevi or "moles".
Why does the doctor examines your skin with a dermatoscope?
To gain information by inspecting the skin, which cannot be obtained only with the naked eye, and to increase diagnostic accuracy and relevance.
The dermatoscope is very useful for the diagnosis of pigmented lesions in particular, and in general of skin cancers, carcinomas (basal cell carcinoma Bcc) and melanomas in particular.
It is also very useful for diagnosing multiple banal and benign lesions: seborrheic keratoses, dermatofibromas, capillary angiomas, etc.
It is also used to aid in the diagnosis of various inflammatory and infectious skin diseases (eg scabies), pathologies of the scalp, nails and mucous membranes (outside the oral cavity).
How it works ?
It is a simple, non-invasive tool that is held in the hand and placed on the skin.
The basic device consists of a lens that magnifies 10 times, variable focal length, LED lighting, and a transparent contact plate (polarized or not).
The reflection of daylight on the skin makes it difficult to see the deeper layers of the skin.
Applying a liquid (most often 70% alcohol, or ultrasound gel) reduces light reflection and scattering, and makes the skin more transparent.
The lens magnifies and reveals important structural details of the skin, aiding, or making possible a diagnosis.
There are also dermatoscopes equipped with polarizing filters, used without interface liquid, and without direct contact of a transparent plate with the skin, with a similar optical result.
When does the doctor use it?
Dermoscopy makes it possible to visualize the skin "in depth" with very high magnification. It also allows you to see certain parts of the skin that are not visible to the naked eye (the vessels for example).
It is increasingly part of the routine dermatological examination.
Its objective is to better identify skin lesions that will require a biopsy.
How's it going ?
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| Dermatologist examines a patient with a dermatoscope |
During the consultation, the dermatologist looks with the dermatoscope at the areas of skin he wishes to examine more carefully; snapshots can be taken. This is an absolutely painless exam that only lasts a few minutes.
How much does it cost ?
The price of dermosope is around 130-345 dollars
Dermoscopy CPT code:
96999
Before / after treatment ...
What are the results ?
The results are instant and help the dermatologist to make a treatment decision:
Remove, or biopsy, (with laboratory analysis of anatomo-pathology), or monitor a suspicious lesion, offer treatment according to the pathology diagnosed.
The photographs taken by dermatoscopy can also sometimes be sent in difficult cases to doctors who are experts in the analysis of these images, who can give their opinion on the appearance of a lesion.
What are the side effects and what are the possible complications?
As the examination is painless and non-invasive, there are no side effects or complications.
What precautions before, during and after dermoscopy?
Make-up and nail polish considerably hinder the examination. It is therefore necessary to avoid putting on makeup and putting on nail polish before going to the dermatologist.
Tanning thickens the epidermis, and makes the dermatoscopic examination less relevant.
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