DERMATOSCOPY

In modern medicine, a new method for diagnosing neoplasms – dermatoscopic examination – is used, which is conducted using a special device – an optical digital dermatoscope.

Dermatoscopy is a simple and non-invasive research method that allows for a more accurate assessment of skin neoplasms than what is possible with the naked eye. Through dermatoscopic examination, it is possible to describe significant additional details in the morphology of the neoplasm, which facilitates or even enables an accurate diagnosis.

At Marjani Clinic, the examination is conducted using a digital dermatoscope.

How is a dermatoscopic examination of a neoplasm performed?

The dermatoscope is connected to a digital camera, which in turn is connected to a computer. The operator-dermatologist sees the dermatoscopic image of the neoplasm on the monitor in real-time and saves the corresponding digital image.

Special software allows for the efficient administration of saved images. This is the main advantage of the digital dermatoscope, which ensures easy monitoring of the neoplasm. Comparing dermatoscopic images of the same element taken at certain time intervals allows us to diagnose small, almost imperceptible skin tumors based on changes occurring in them. This also reduces the number of biopsies, which is especially important for patients with multiple moles.

Another advantage of digital dermatoscopy is the involvement of the patient in the examination process. The patient, along with the doctor, sees the image and has the opportunity to observe the object of the examination. Many studies have shown that patient involvement in the examination process positively affects their attitude and vigilance.

The frequency of monitoring ranges from three to twelve months. The interval is determined individually for each patient (every 3, 6, or 12 months) based on the initially described neoplasm, skin phototype, personal and family history, and other factors.

The advantage of monitoring neoplasms is that detecting their malignancy becomes easier and more accessible considering the minimal changes documented as a result of dermatoscopic examinations conducted at certain time intervals. Unfortunately, diagnosing skin tumors without dermatoscopic monitoring occurs only when the tumor reaches noticeable changes and sizes visible to the naked eye, indicating its advanced stage.

For describing the dermatoscopic image of skin neoplasms, doctors at Marjani Clinic use the Pattern Analysis algorithm developed by our Austrian partner, Prof. H. Kittler.

It is also noteworthy that based on the results of the dermatoscopic examination, the patient will be referred for further in-depth examination or treatment. According to the doctor’s recommendation, Marjani Clinic can perform electro-surgery or surgical excision and conduct histological examination of the excised material. Surgical operations are performed by the onco-surgeon of Marjani Clinic.