Dermoscopy is a non-invasive, in vivo diagnostic method for early diagnosis of melanoma and for evaluation of pigmented skin lesions. Synonym is surface epiluminescence microscopy. Most recently, digital cameras have been designed that are attached to computers. this allows easy storage, and follow-up of pigmented skin lesions. Dermoscopy is performed by handheld devices with lens with 10 to 20 times magnification. They have the disadvantage of not storing pictures, Photographic documentation can be performed with a dermoscopic attachment to a standard digital camera that can be attached to a computer for follow-up. , Videodermoscope permits to store and compare imagesThe use of stereomicroscope allows a three dimensional view of the architecture of the skin, but the big size limits its use. Exist dermoscope that use a contact lens and tools that utilize polarized light
Pigment network:histopathologically lines correspond to elongated ridges and holes correspond to the tips of dermal papilla, It appears regular in benign lesions and atypical in melanoma
Radial streaks and pseudopods: often seen in superficial spreading melanoma, they are a sign of a radial growth of the tumor, In Reed or Spitz nevus they are arranged along the entire border of the lesion
White/blue veil: often found in melanoma, rarely we can find it in Spitz / Reed nevus
Blacks dots and brown globules: They may occur in benign as well as in malignant melanocytic proliferations. In benign lesions, they are rather regular in size and shape. In melanomas they tend to vary in size and shape and are frequently found in the periphery of lesions
Diffuse pigmentation: localized irregular areas of pigmentation may be significant for melanoma
Depigmentation: may be a sign of a regressive phase of melanoma. There are also some algorithms that are used for the diagnosis of melanoma: Seven point checklist, dermoscopic ABCD, Menzies scoring method, CASH
Pigment network:histopathologically lines correspond to elongated ridges and holes correspond to the tips of dermal papilla, It appears regular in benign lesions and atypical in melanoma
Radial streaks and pseudopods: often seen in superficial spreading melanoma, they are a sign of a radial growth of the tumor, In Reed or Spitz nevus they are arranged along the entire border of the lesion
White/blue veil: often found in melanoma, rarely we can find it in Spitz / Reed nevus
Blacks dots and brown globules: They may occur in benign as well as in malignant melanocytic proliferations. In benign lesions, they are rather regular in size and shape. In melanomas they tend to vary in size and shape and are frequently found in the periphery of lesions
Diffuse pigmentation: localized irregular areas of pigmentation may be significant for melanoma
Depigmentation: may be a sign of a regressive phase of melanoma
There are also some algorithms that are used for the diagnosis of melanoma: Seven point checklist, dermoscopic ABCD, Menzies scoring method, CASH
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