Skin Cancer Care
Dermoscopy for Mole & Skin Lesion Assessment
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique used by doctors to examine moles and other skin lesions in greater detail.
A dermatoscope provides magnification and specialised lighting, allowing structures beneath the surface of the skin to be assessed more clearly than with the naked eye alone.
Why Is Dermoscopy Used?
Dermoscopy may assist in the assessment of lesions that could represent:
- Melanoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Actinic keratosis
- Benign moles
- Seborrhoeic keratoses
- Other pigmented or non-pigmented lesions
What Happens During Dermoscopy?
The dermatoscope is placed on or close to the skin while the lesion is examined. It is used during a full skin check or a focused mole and lesion assessment.
The procedure is:
- Non-invasive
- Usually painless
- Performed during the consultation
- Useful for assessing features not visible to the naked eye
Does Dermoscopy Replace a Biopsy?
No.
Dermoscopy assists clinical assessment and is not 100% accurate. Some lesions cannot be diagnosed confidently from examination alone.
If a lesion remains suspicious, a biopsy, excision, monitoring or referral may be recommended.
Next step
Arrange a consultation
Assessment in person is the only way to work out what is causing a skin concern and what can reasonably be done about it. Fees are explained before anything is arranged.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general information only and is not a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation, or a substitute for individual medical advice. Conditions that look similar can have different causes, and what is suitable for one person may not be suitable for another. If you are unwell, in significant pain, or worried about a rapidly changing symptom, seek medical care promptly. In an emergency call 000.
- Written for patients by
- Dr Benyamin Mansoori, cosmetic physician & skin cancer doctor
- Medically reviewed by
- Dr Benyamin Mansoori (MD, FRACGP, FACCSM), AHPRA MED0002097300
- Last medically reviewed