Dermatoscopy & Mole Screening in London

What Is Dermatoscopy and Why Is It Important?

Dermatoscopy (also called dermoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy) is a specialist skin imaging technique using a handheld dermatoscope. The device combines magnification with polarised light or a liquid interface, allowing detailed visualisation of pigment networks, vascular patterns, and subsurface structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

At Skinhorizon Clinic, dermatoscopy is performed by a consultant dermatologist with extensive experience in diagnosing skin cancers and benign lesions. The test is quick, painless, and often prevents unnecessary biopsies by distinguishing harmless moles from suspicious lesions that require removal or further investigation.

When Is Dermatoscopy Recommended?

Dermatoscopy is recommended whenever there is a concern about a mole or skin lesion. Common scenarios include:

• A mole that has changed in size, shape, or colour
• Lesions that itch, bleed, or do not heal
• Multiple moles with family or personal history of skin cancer
• Baseline mole mapping in high-risk patients
• Assessing pigmented lesions on the face, scalp, or mucosal sites

Dermatoscopy is the standard of care in dermatology for early melanoma detection, and is also useful for diagnosing basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, seborrhoeic keratosis, angiomas, dermatofibromas, and other benign growths.

How Dermatoscopy Works

1. History & risk assessment: Consultant reviews skin type, family history, and risk factors.
2. Examination: The dermatoscope is placed on the skin with polarised light or liquid medium for clear imaging.
3. Magnification: Structures such as pigment networks, dots, globules, streaks, and vessels are evaluated.
4. Interpretation: Consultant assesses whether the lesion is benign, suspicious, or requires removal/biopsy.
5. Documentation: Images may be stored for monitoring, especially for patients with multiple moles.

What Can Dermatoscopy Help Assess?

• Melanoma: Asymmetry, irregular pigment network, atypical dots/streaks, regression structures
• Basal cell carcinoma: Arborising vessels, ulceration, shiny translucency
• Squamous cell carcinoma / actinic keratosis: Scale, keratin pearls, vascular clues
• Seborrhoeic keratosis: Milia-like cysts, comedo-like openings
• Haemangiomas / angiokeratomas: Red-blue lacunae
• Benign melanocytic naevi: Symmetrical network and regular globules

By differentiating these patterns, dermatoscopy reduces unnecessary excisions and ensures suspicious lesions are treated early.

Preparation

• No special preparation is needed.
• Avoid applying makeup, nail polish, or camouflage products on the area being examined.
• Bring a list of previous skin biopsies, pathology results, or family history of melanoma if available.

Safety & Limitations

Dermatoscopy is entirely safe, painless, and non‑invasive. Its main limitation is that interpretation depends on clinical expertise — which is why it is performed by our consultant dermatologist. In some cases, if a lesion remains suspicious, excision biopsy is still required for definitive histology.

Results & Follow‑Up

Results are immediate and explained during your consultation. If the lesion is benign, reassurance is provided. If suspicious, we advise either removal at Skinhorizon or onward referral for surgical excision. In high‑risk patients, digital mole mapping and serial dermatoscopy may be arranged for ongoing monitoring.

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Disclaimer: Diagnostic tests at Skinhorizon are provided only where clinically appropriate and must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional. Results alone do not replace a medical diagnosis, and further consultation may be required.