Dermatoscopy

Moles and other skin neoplasms require attention, especially if they begin to change their shape, size, or color. Such changes do not always indicate a dangerous disease, but sometimes they may be early signs of melanoma. Timely examination helps identify suspicious formations and determine further management.

Dermatoscopy in Kyiv at the Oxford Medical medical center is performed by experienced dermatologists using modern optical equipment. The doctor carefully assesses the condition of the neoplasms, recommends additional examinations if necessary, and determines whether observation is sufficient or removal of neoplasms is necessary.

To check check moles in Kyiv and receive recommendations regarding further actions, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist at Oxford Medical. You can do this by calling the contact center or using the online appointment form on the website.

Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic method during which a doctor uses a special optical device to examine moles and other skin neoplasms in detail. Magnification and special lighting make it possible to see pigment and vascular structures that are invisible to the naked eye. Dermatoscopy of a nevus helps identify signs resembling melanoma and other malignant skin tumors and determine further management.

Depending on the method of obtaining the image, two types of examination are distinguished:

• Analog dermatoscopy — the doctor examines the neoplasm directly through an optical dermatoscope.
• Digital dermatoscopy — the image of the mole is photographed and stored in digital format for subsequent comparison and monitoring of changes.

At the Oxford Medical medical center, a German-made HEINE DELTA 20 Plus dermatoscope is used. Thanks to tenfold magnification, LED lighting, and a polarizing filter, the doctor can examine the structure of the neoplasm, the characteristics of pigment distribution, and the vascular pattern in detail. If necessary, digital photographic documentation is performed to save the image for further observation and determine whether it is necessary to remove the mole.

Doctors at Oxford Medical note: skin dermatoscopy helps detect suspicious changes but does not replace histological examination. If the doctor suspects a malignant process, a biopsy followed by histological examination of the tissue may be necessary to establish the final diagnosis.

Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend not postponing a dermatologist consultation if you have noticed changes in a mole. For self-examination of moles, you can use the AKORD rule. It helps draw attention to five signs: A — asymmetry, K — uneven edges, O — uneven coloration, R — size over 6 mm, D — dynamics, that is, changes in the mole over time. If you have noticed at least one of these signs, it is worth consulting a dermatologist.

Checking a mole does not require special preparation. Before the visit, it is advisable not to apply decorative cosmetics, foundation products, or thick creams that may interfere with the examination to the area of skin with the mole. If you have previously undergone dermatoscopy, bring your previous images or reports with you.

Examination with a dermatoscope is performed during a dermatologist's appointment and consists of several stages:

• Initial examination of moles. The doctor examines the skin, clarifies when the lesion appeared and whether it has changed over time.
• Examination of moles. Using a dermatoscope, the doctor evaluates in detail the structure of the lesion, pigment distribution, vascular pattern, and other signs.
• Photographic documentation. If necessary, the doctor takes a digital image of the mole so that the images can be compared and changes assessed during subsequent examinations.
• Results. After the examination, the dermatologist explains the findings and provides recommendations regarding further actions.

If the diagnosis of a mole reveals suspicious signs, the doctor may recommend a biopsy followed by histological examination. It is the examination of the tissue that makes it possible to confirm or rule out a malignant process. If there are no dangerous signs, the dermatologist determines whether further observation is necessary and when a repeat examination should be performed.

The cost of dermatoscopy depends on the number of neoplasms that need to be examined. You can find out what the price of dermatoscopy is, as well as the cost of a dermatologist's consultation, here. To schedule an examination, use the online appointment form on the website or call the Oxford Medical contact center.

The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• Cochrane Library
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
• National Cancer Institute