Nodular melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer. Early detection of nodular melanoma is of utmost importance for patient prognosis. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and nodular melanoma tends to grow more quickly and vertically than other types. The thickness of the melanoma, known as the Breslow thickness, is a major determinant of prognosis. When detected early, before it has penetrated deeply into the skin, the chances of successful treatment and survival are significantly higher. Dermatoscopy, also known as dermoscopy, has emerged as a valuable tool in the early identification of skin cancers, including nodular melanoma. It allows for a more detailed examination of skin lesions than the naked eye, enabling clinicians to detect subtle features that may indicate malignancy.
What Is Nodular Melanoma?
Nodular melanoma is a type of melanoma characterized by its clinical and biological features. Clinically, nodular melanoma often appears as a rapidly growing, symmetrical, elevated nodule that may be black, blue, or have a mix of colors. However, it can sometimes be amelanotic, meaning it lacks the typical dark pigmentation. Unlike other types of melanoma that may have an asymmetric shape, irregular borders, and varying colors (the ABCD criteria), nodular melanoma can be more challenging to identify using these criteria alone. Biologically, nodular melanoma tends to grow more aggressively and vertically, invading deeper layers of the skin more quickly than other melanoma subtypes. This aggressive growth pattern makes it crucial to detect nodular melanoma at an early stage to improve treatment outcomes.
How Does Dermatoscopy Work?
Dermatoscope is a non-invasive examination tool commonly used in dermatology to examine all types of skin lesions. It relies on optical magnification (typically 10x) and polarized or non-polarized light to visualize microstructures in the epidermis and upper dermis. The technique eliminates surface glare, revealing patterns such as pigment networks, vascular structures, and collagen distribution. Two primary modes are used:
Polarized light dermatoscopy: Highlights keratin, collagen, and vascular patterns without direct contact with the skin.
Non-polarized dermatoscopy: Requires a liquid interface (e.g., gel) to reduce light reflection, emphasizing pigment-based structures.
Besides, dermoscopy does not require sampling or biopsy, which greatly reduces the pain of patients with skin ulcers. The process of examination is easy and fast usually taking a few minutes to finish.
Which IBOOLO dermatoscope models are recommended?
IBOOLO, built in 2012, is the world’s leading supplier of dermatoscope founded in China. IBOOLO is the original dermoscopy factory , which has experienced professional optical engineers and manufacturing lens for over 10 years. In the past and recent years, IBOOLO keep investing much energy and funds into research and design derpartment, sourcing the best supply chain of raw materials.
For beginners, IBOOLO DE-400 may a good choice. It is a photo dermatoscope device compatible for most smart phones and tables like DE-300. But DE-400 is the improved version of DE-300. DE-400 has big visualized field for its 45mm image diameter, with true 10X magnification, more 4 times than DE-300. And DE-400 dermatoscope has both polarized and unpolarized light. It is commonly used by advanced skin doctors or person.
For Pros, It is better to use IBOOLO DE-3100. It not only can be used connecting with smartphones or tablets, but also can be used individually by hands. It is more convenient to operate than DE-300 and DE-400. With true 10X magnification, polarized, non-polarized and Amber/UV light for option, it is endowed with more lighting power system for supplying complementary information.
Can Dermatoscopy Identify Key Visual Indicators of Nodular Melanoma?
Dermatoscopy can identify several key visual indicators of nodular melanoma. Under dermatoscopy, nodular melanoma may exhibit features such as a blue-white veil or regression structures, which are areas of white or blue-gray pigmentation that may indicate tumor cell activity. Another important feature is the presence of multiple blue-black nodules or globules within the lesion. The symmetry of the lesion’s pigmentation and structure can also be assessed. Nodular melanoma may show asymmetry in color and structure, with varying shades and patterns throughout the lesion. Additionally, the presence of irregular blood vessels within the lesion may be a sign of malignancy. Dermatoscopy allows clinicians to carefully examine these features and compare them to those of benign lesions, aiding in the accurate identification of nodular melanoma.
Is There a Difference Between Nodular Melanoma and Other Lesions Under Dermatoscopy?
There are subtle differences between nodular melanoma and other skin lesions under dermatoscopy. For example, benign skin lesions such as seborrheic keratoses may have a well-defined, symmetrical pattern with regular pigmentation and structures like milia-like cysts. In contrast, nodular melanoma tends to have more irregular and heterogeneous features. When compared to other types of melanoma, such as superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma may lack the typical asymmetric borders and network patterns seen in the early stages of superficial spreading melanoma.