What should you know about spoke wheel dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy uses magnification and illumination to show structures beneath the skin surface. A spoke-wheel pattern describes lines or projections arranged around a center, rather like spokes. It is one visual feature, not a diagnosis by itself. A dermatologist also considers the lesion’s color, symmetry, border, other structures, location, evolution, and your personal history. The clinician may compare earlier images or examine nearby skin with a [Dermatoscope](/technology/dermatoscope/).

Do not scrape, pick, or apply irritating products to the spot before assessment. Photographing it in consistent lighting can help document change, but it does not replace an examination. Keep your appointment and tell the clinician when you first noticed the lesion, whether it has changed, and whether it bleeds, crusts, itches, or becomes sore. Depending on the overall assessment, the plan may be monitoring, another review, or [Mole Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/mole-removal/) for examination of tissue.

Arrange a timely skin examination if a mole or pigmented spot is changing in size, shape, or color, or if it develops persistent bleeding, crusting, ulceration, or new pain. Seek faster advice for a rapidly changing lesion or one that repeatedly catches and bleeds. Do not wait for a dermoscopy label to decide whether a changing spot deserves review.

Ask what structures were seen besides the spoke-wheel pattern, whether comparison images are available, and why monitoring or removal is recommended. Clarify how soon the next review should be and which changes should prompt an earlier appointment.