What should you know about compound naevus dermoscopy?

A compound naevus is a mole whose pigment-forming cells sit partly near the skin surface and partly deeper in the skin. With a dermatoscope, the clinician can see colours, dots, lines, symmetry and borders that are difficult to judge with an unaided eye. The examination is usually performed on intact skin and does not require an incision. A benign-looking pattern may support observation, while an unusual or changing pattern may prompt closer assessment, comparison with earlier images or tissue sampling.

Do not scratch, shave or repeatedly irritate the mole before review. Tell the dermatologist when you first noticed it, whether its shape or colour has changed, and whether it catches on clothing or bleeds. Bring earlier photographs if available. Dermoscopy alone does not remove a lesion or provide a laboratory diagnosis; if removal is advised, the tissue can be examined separately. Read about the [Dermatoscope](/technology/dermatoscope/) and [Mole Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/mole-removal/) to understand these options.

Arrange a prompt skin assessment if a mole is changing in size, outline or colour, develops persistent crusting, bleeds without clear injury, or becomes persistently itchy or painful. Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, rapidly worsening swelling, or signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth and fever. These warning signs do not diagnose cancer, but they make timely examination appropriate.

Ask whether the pattern looks reassuring, whether a baseline photograph would help, how soon it should be checked again, and what change should trigger an earlier visit. If removal is suggested, ask whether the whole lesion will be sent for laboratory examination and how the wound will be cared for.