The importance of dermoscopy in melanoma.
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive method to aids us to visualize structures and colors in pigmented lesions that are invisible to the naked eye,especially in the build an early skin cancer diagnosis, significantly increasing the accuracy of melanoma detection. By comparing the serial images of mole under dermoscopy.Others than the classification of melanocytic lesions, dermoscopy may also be tend to predict the thickness of tumors based on specific dermoscopy criteria and colors, which help dermatologist to choose the right treatment option.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of cancer that finds in the cells which named melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment that gives skin its color. The reason is exposure in the sun,it might be appear on the arms,back,face and legs,sometimes found in the eyes. Rarely,it can be happen in the nose or throat.
The feature of early stage of melanoma?
At the beginning of melanoma,it has 2 symptoms
Tumor thickness (also called Breslow Depth): how deeply the tumor has penetrated the skin. Thickness is measured in millimeters (mm). These comparisons will give you an idea of size:
1 mm = .04 inch, or less than 1/16 inch—about equal to the edge of a penny
2 mm = between 1/16 and 1/8 inch—about equal to the edge of a nickel
Ulceration: when the epidermis (or top layer of skin) that covers a portion of the primary melanoma is not intact. Ulceration can only be seen under a microscope, not by the naked eye.
What is the dermatoscopy principle?
A dermoscope ,also known as dermatoscope which is a handheld device, equipped with a magnification lens and light source. The polarized light can help dermatologist to eliminate the scatter of surface which visualized the skin lesion deeper the skin.It reveals colors and structures that are normally invisible to the naked eye and improves the diagnostic accuracy and confidence level of experienced users, for both pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions.
What is the feature of malanoma by dermatoscopy?
In dermatoscopy, melanoma typically shows certain characteristic features that differentiate it from benign lesions. The key features of melanoma under dermatoscopy include:
Asymmetry;Irregular Borders;Variegation of Color;Dotted or Coarse Vascular Patterns;Blue-White Veil;Regression Structures;Radial Streaming;Atypical Pigment Network;Regression and Scar Tissue;Globules
These features, when considered together, can help clinicians identify suspicious lesions and make correct treatment.Significantly enhance the diagnose the accuracy and save time.
How to Perform a Skin Self-Exam?
Early detection is one of your greatest defenses in the battle against skin cancer, with 99% of cases considered curable as a result of early diagnosis and treatment. Because you know your body better than anyone, performing monthly self-examinations allows you to spot any abnormalities with as little as a mirror and a few moments of your time.