What should you know about dermatoscopy and skin cancer?

Under magnification and specialised light, dermatoscopy can show pigment distribution, vascular detail, scaling, and other structures that are harder to assess with the naked eye. A clinician uses these observations with the lesion’s history, location, surrounding skin, and changes reported by the patient.

A concerning dermatoscopic appearance does not prove cancer, and a reassuring view does not make every future change unimportant. The examination may lead to a decision to monitor, review sooner, or remove a small sample for laboratory assessment. A separate tissue diagnosis is what can establish what the lesion is.

Tell the clinician when the mark appeared and whether it has changed in colour, outline, size, height, or surface. Report bleeding, persistent crusting, itching, pain, or a sore that does not heal. Do not scratch, peel, or apply a new treatment to the area before assessment unless advised. Earlier photographs can help show the direction of change, especially when the mark is subtle.

Arrange prompt assessment for a new or changing lesion, a mark that is noticeably different from your others, unexplained bleeding, repeated crusting, or a non-healing sore. These warning signs are reasons to seek examination; they do not mean that the mark is definitely skin cancer. If removal is proposed, ask what the clinician wants the laboratory examination to clarify.

Ask what features were seen with dermatoscopy, whether comparison or review is needed, and what symptoms should trigger an earlier appointment. If a biopsy or mole removal is advised, ask about the purpose, expected wound care, and how the result will guide the next step.