Basic dermoscopy of melanocytic lesions for beginners

Background: Dermoscopy is a safe, easy-to-repeat diagnostic method used especially in the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions and others. Performing dermoscopy for skin lesions on the whole body takes only one minute more than standard clinical examination. Therefore the knowledge of basic dermoscopy among multi-specialization doctors - from general practitioners, surgeons, oncologists to dermatologists - increases the possibility of detection of potential melanoma. Aim: To describe the basic aspects of dermoscopy of melanocytic lesions. Methods: Review of medical databases PubMed and Medline from the last 8 years and a retrospective analysis of own experience. Results: We report the fundamental principles of performing dermoscopy, basic dermoscopic features and diagnostic algorithms of selected melanocytic lesions. Conclusions: The knowledge base of dermoscopy is very important among doctors of many specializations. It increases melanoma detection in very early stages.

Key words: dermoscopy, melanocytic lesions, melanoma, basic diagnostics of skin malignomas.

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Dermatologist in Krakow (Cracow)