Digital dermoscopy – in brief
| Examination | Digital dermoscopy of moles and other skin lesions |
|---|---|
| Device | Canfield D2 digital dermatoscope |
| Software | DermaGraphix |
| Duration | 30–45 minutes |
| Examination carried out by | Consultant Dermatologist |
What is digital dermoscopy?
Digital dermoscopy is a non-invasive skin examination method by which a dermatologist uses a dermatoscope to observe the structures of moles and other lesions that cannot be seen in sufficient detail with the naked eye. The dermoscopic view enables the doctor to assess the characteristics of the lesion, such as pigment distribution, structure, borders, symmetry and the appearance of blood vessels. With digital dermoscopy, the dermoscopic view can also photograph, tag and save. When a dermatologist determines that a particular skin lesion needs to be monitored, the new image can be compared with the previous one at the next examination. At the Imedic Polyclinic, we use Canfield D2 with DermaGraphix software, which adds the capability of organised documentation, mapping and monitoring of selected changes to digital recordings.
Who is digital dermoscopy intended for?
Digital dermoscopy it is particularly useful when a dermatologist decides that one or more lesions need to be documented and monitored over time.
It may be recommended:
- people with a higher number of moles;
- when a specific mole or other change requires monitoring;
- if a change in the size, shape, colour or other characteristics of the mole has been observed;
- codes of changes that differ in appearance from other moles;
- for individuals with a personal or family history of melanoma, as assessed by a dermatologist;
- when there are already previous dermoscopic images that need to be compared with the current finding.
If you notice that a mole is growing, changing shape or colour, bleeding, itching or looks different than before, make an appointment dermatological examination. After the examination, the doctor will assess whether the lesion is suitable for digital monitoring or requires further diagnostics.
Digital dermoscopy – examination and monitoring of moles
What is the difference between dermoscopy and digital dermoscopy?
In classical dermoscopy, a dermatologist examines a mole or other skin lesion with a dermatoscope and assesses its dermoscopic appearance during the examination itself.
Code digital dermoscopy The selected change can be additionally recorded and documented. The digital image remains linked to the specific change, so during the next inspection, the previous photograph can be opened and compared with the new one.
This is particularly significant when a dermatologist wants to determine does a certain change alter over time, instead of basing the assessment solely on her appearance at a single moment in time.
It is not necessary to digitally photograph every mole. Based on the examination, the dermatologist determines which lesions need to be documented and monitored, which do not require digital monitoring, and which require a different diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.
Read more about the standard check-up on the page dermoscopic mole check.
What does a digital mole check look like?
Digital mole screening starts with a conversation with a dermatologist about the changes you have noticed, previous examinations, personal and family medical history, and any changes in the appearance of moles.
The dermatologist then examines the skin and uses a dermatoscope to evaluate in detail any lesions that require closer analysis.
When digital documentation is required, the selected change is recorded with a device Canfield D2. A dermoscopic image can be linked to a specific lesion and its location within the DermaGraphix system.
During a follow-up examination, the doctor can locate a previously recorded lesion, open the previous and current scans, and assess whether there are significant differences in its dermoscopic appearance.
The examination is painless and non-invasive. The duration depends on the number of changes that need to be reviewed and digitally documented.
What changes can be examined with digital dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy is most commonly associated with the examination of moles, but a dermatologist can also use a dermatoscope to evaluate other pigmented and non-pigmented skin lesions when such an examination is medically indicated.
Digital documentation is particularly useful for lesions for which a doctor wishes to preserve an exact dermoscopic view and monitor their appearance at subsequent follow-up appointments.
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Digital dermoscopy with Canfield D2
At Imedic Polyclinic, for we use digital dermoscopy Canfield D2, a digital dermatoscope intended for detailed imaging and documentation of skin lesions.
Canfield D2 enables magnification of 15 to 200 times and sequential imaging in different lighting modes – polarised, non-polarised and UV mode.
The device enables the capture of clinical and dermoscopic photographs, while the standardised capture method allows for consistent documentation, which is important when monitoring the same lesion across multiple examinations.
D2 is directly integrated with DermaGraphix software, so that during the examination the dermatologist can capture, organise and localise dermoscopic photographs within the lesion tracking system.
DermaGraphix – digital mole mapping software
At Imedic Polyclinic Canfield D2 is used together with DermaGraphix software for organised digital documentation and monitoring of moles and other skin lesions.
Dermoscopic photographs, data and notes from various examinations can be linked to each documented lesion. DermaGraphix organises the images so that a dermatologist can easily find the same lesion and review its photographs from different time points.
A particularly useful feature is side-by-side comparison of images of the same lesion. Thus, the current dermoscopic image can be directly compared with the previous one, without relying on memory of how the mole used to look.
DermaGraphix provides software support for dermatologists in documentation and monitoring. The evaluation of the dermoscopic finding and the decision on the further course of action are made by a physician.
Digital mole mapping
DermaGraphix enables you to dermoscopic image is linked to a specific lesion and its location on the body map. In this way, the doctor receives not just a collection of photographs, but organised documentation showing which lesion each image belongs to and where it is located.
Every documented change receives its own identification in the system, and its recordings from different views remain linked.
This kind of digital mole mapping it makes check-ups easier, especially for individuals who have a larger number of lesions or multiple moles that need to be monitored.
It is important to distinguish digital mapping in the DermaGraphix system from automated 3D full-body imaging. In digital dermoscopy in Imedic, the focus is on dermoscopic imaging and structured monitoring of selected lesions using the Canfield D2 and DermaGraphix systems.
How to prepare for digital dermoscopy?
For Digital dermoscopy does not require any special preparation.
Before the examination:
- ensure the region being viewed is easily accessible;
- remove makeup if facial changes are being examined;
- do not cover the blemish with concealer, powder or other products that make examination difficult;
- bring previous dermoscopic findings or photographs if you have them;
- Tell the dermatologist what changes you have noticed and whether you have observed a change in their appearance;
- State the relevant personal and family history of melanoma or other malignant skin tumours.
If you had your previous digital dermoscopy at the Imedic Polyclinic, the dermatologist can use previously documented images for comparison with the current examination.
Cost of digital dermoscopy
The price of digital dermoscopy depends on the scope of the examination and the number of lesions that need to be digitally documented. You can view the prices for examinations and follow-up digital dermoscopy on the page dermatology services price list. If you are unsure whether you should book an appointment for a single lesion or a full-body check, please contact us on 064 237 0707.
Frequently asked questions about digital dermoscopy
Is every mole imaged using digital dermoscopy?
No. The dermatologist examines the lesions and decides which ones need to be digitally documented. Selected lesions for which a photograph is useful for documentation or follow-up monitoring are photographed.
Are the recordings kept for the next check-up?
Yes. Digitally documented lesions are stored in the system so that the dermatologist can open previous images during the next check-up and compare them with the current appearance of the lesion.
Does digital dermoscopy use artificial intelligence?
For digital mole examinations at Imedic Polyclinic we use Canfield D2 with DermaGraphix software for recording, mapping, documenting and comparing changes. The medical assessment of the images is carried out by a dermatologist.
Canfield D2 also supports HairMetrix AI technology, but it is intended digital trichoscopy of the hair and scalp and represents a separate service.
Can digital dermoscopy confirm whether a mole is malignant?
Dermoscopy provides the dermatologist with important information for evaluating a lesion, but a digital image and software monitoring do not constitute a histopathological diagnosis. If the finding requires further verification, the dermatologist determines the next diagnostic or therapeutic step.
How often should digital dermoscopy follow-up be performed?
There is no identical follow-up interval for every patient and every lesion. The dermatologist determines when the examination should be repeated based on the dermoscopic findings, previous images and individual risk.
Is digital dermoscopy painful?
No. Digital dermoscopy is a non-invasive and painless examination and after it no recovery period is required.
How long does digital dermoscopy take?
The examination usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. The duration depends on the number of lesions the dermatologist examines and digitally documents.
Should I bring previous dermoscopic reports?
Yes, if you have them. Previous dermoscopic findings and photographs can be useful to the dermatologist for comparison with the current condition, including documentation from other healthcare facilities.
When should a mole be checked?
A dermatological examination should be scheduled if you notice a mole changing in size, shape or colour, if it bleeds, itches or differs in appearance from other skin lesions. Following the examination, the dermatologist determines whether digital monitoring or additional diagnostics are necessary.
How do I book a digital mole check?
You can book digital dermoscopy by calling 064 237 0707. Imedic Polyclinic is located at Kneza Miloša 23, 2nd floor, in Belgrade.
Book a digital dermoscopy in Belgrade
The Imedic Polyclinic is located at Kneza Miloša 23 street, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–21:00.
Appointments are made by phone: 064 237 0707. If you contact us from abroad, we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
Author: Dr Ivica Jeremić
Doctor of Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine and Immunology), subspecialist in rheumatology, dermatology resident.
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