Dermatoscopy

The dermoscopy ( Syn: dermoscopy, Epilumineszenzmikroskopie ) is a noninvasive and simple method of dermatology, which is used in particular for the early detection of malignant tumors of the skin ( melanoma ). Here, the skin with a microscope with the aid of the oil and partly also considered to polarized light in deeper layers.

The physical basis

Light incident on the skin, is usually for the most part of the multi-layered epidermis (the epidermis ) is reflected (total reflection ). Is obtained by application of immersion oil, by increasing the refractive index of 1.5 to 1.8 (air 1.0) reduces this reflection, so that you can look at the corresponding microscopic magnification, up to a maximum in the upper corium (dermis ). A further improvement may be accomplished by the use of polarized light.

Use

A key area of ​​application of the dermoscopic diagnosis is the detection of early melanomas and melanocytic the distinction of non- melanocytic pigment tumors. The dermoscopy can be used in addition in the evaluation of parasites ( eg scabies), foreign bodies and bleeding.