The scope of the dermoscope (2024)

HISTORY

Various terms have been used to describe the process of dermoscopy, namely, dermatoscopy, surface microscopy, incident light microscopy, and epiluminescence light microscopy. The term “dermoscopy,” which is the most accepted now, was first suggested by Friedman et al.[1]

Skin surface microscopy for pigmented lesions was initially described in the first half of the 20^th century based on earlier work done on colposcopy for visualization of the cervical region.[2] A couple of decades later, the use of oil-immersion fluid as an interface to improve skin surface visualization and the use of the same for diagnosis of pigmented lesions was described.[3] Large dedicated dermoscopic devices were first used in the late 1980s, and hand-held devices started to be developed for the same in the early 1990s. Clear criteria for use in the diagnosis of pigmented lesions started developing around the same time.[4,5]

Work in the area of dermoscopy has increased exponentially over the last couple of decades. A Medline search with the key words “dermoscopy,” “dermatoscopy,” “trichoscopy,” and “epiluminescence microscopy” reveals more than 3500 results at present, most being published in the last decade. There is an active International Dermoscopy Society (IDS) which at present offers free membership (http://dermoscopy-ids.org/) and also conducts regular conferences and multicentre studies in the field of dermoscopy. The IDS also conducts the world dermoscopy congresses, the next one (the fifth one) will be held in Greece in June 2018 (http://dermoscopy-congress2018.com/site). Sessions and workshops on dermoscopy have also become a routine part of general dermatology conferences.

Which instrument should I use? Another question that often comes up related to dermoscopy in the Indian context is regarding choosing an ideal dermoscope. A number of factors need to be taken into account, namely, quality, budget, need for documentation, and even the major types of cases that you see. The most commonly used dermoscopes are the independent hand-held units (these do not need to be connected to a monitor to visualize skin lesions), which usually have a magnification of around ×10 to ×20. The same can be used to take photographs by connecting them with cameras – smart phone cameras, point and shoot as well as digital SLRs, using adapters [Figure 2]. There are discernible differences in the quality of images depending on both the device and the camera used, especially if the image has to be cropped or magnified [Figure 3]. There is always an option of simply placing the lens of the point and shoot the camera directly over the viewing area of the dermoscope and shooting, however, the disadvantage is that both hands are required to produce a good quality image [Figure 4]. The other category of dermoscopes are ones that need to be connected to a viewing monitor, usually with a USB connection. A larger view is obtained which can also be shared with the patients, if needed, for counselling purposes and images can be stored easily. There are a large number of options, with the cost increasing according to the quality of the lens, lighting system, and other specific features [Table 1]. High quality video dermoscopes are limited by their high cost and are usually restricted to research centres. Similarly, whole body mapping systems and advanced serial image capturing dermoscopy systems can be quite expensive (an example is the Fotofinder ® Dermoscope studio). Low cost alternatives include using devices such as microscope eye pieces and jeweller's loupes. However the quality of the imaging in these devices are far less than standard dermoscopes.[6,7]

Before deciding on a dermoscope, it is recommended to actually get a feel of the different available devices (besides, of course, asking the opinion of those more experienced in dermoscopy). Polarized light dermoscopy has the advantage of better visualization of vascular structures as compression with the contact plate is avoided. However, some structures such as milia-like cysts and crypts (seen in seborrheic dermatitis) and the blue-white veil seen in melanoma are better seen with contact dermoscopy compared to polarized light dermoscopy. For dermoscopy, in general dermatology (including trichoscopy), polarized light alone is good enough in most cases. Polarized light dermoscopy also avoids the rare but definite possibility of cross infection from the contact plate when visualizing infectious dermatosis. The use of disposable contact caps, food wraps, adhesive tapes, and using 70% ethanol as the interface fluid help to avoid cross infection in contact dermoscopy.[8] Multispectral dermoscopes and UV dermoscopes enable better visualization of specific structures, for example, surface pigmentation is better viewed under blue light, superficial vascularity under yellow light, and deeper pigmentation and vascularity with red light which penetrates deeper [Figure 5].

For a beginner, a relatively good quality hand-held, independent device with both contact dermoscopy and cross polarized light options might be the best option.

How do I train in dermoscopy? As in any other area related to clinical medicine, the key is practice. Keep using your dermoscope for as many skin lesions as possible. Try to correlate what you see with the histopathology in cases where histopathology is available. Remember that to understand what is abnormal you need to be really familiar with what is normal. So, keep looking at normal skin, hair, and nails. Try to familiarize with patterns that might be different according to site, age, or race. In the Indian context, you will not be able to see too many cases for which dermoscopy has been classically described and established (such as melanoma). Hair disorders (trichoscopy), nail disorders (onychoscopy), inflammatory dermatosis (inflammoscopy), infectious dermatoses, infestations, and disorders of pigmentation are likely to be the areas which you need to focus on. It should also be mentioned that, in many cases in general dermatology, you may not really need dermoscopy for diagnosis per se, but it may still be useful in evaluating other parameters such as disease activity or prognosis and to avoid unnecessary investigations [Figures 6-8].[9,10,11] It is a good idea to take pictures of as many cases as possible so that they can be discussed with others, if necessary, and also in case of planning for publication and presentation. While documenting dermoscopic image, do not forget to take a good quality clinical image. Also, try to use the in-built measuring scale available in most units to give an idea of the size of the lesion. In case you are thinking of publishing or presenting your case, always make it a point to clearly label the relevant dermoscopic findings using arrows or circles with a color that has sufficient contrast compared to the background, and also while describing dermoscopy images, try to explain the correlation of the dermoscopic picture with the histopathology whenever possible.

Discussion of the details of algorithms for dermoscopy, pigmented lesions or otherwise, is beyond the scope of this article, but for new entrants into the field of dermoscopy, it would be recommended to understand the basic principles and algorithms related to the dermoscopy of pigmented lesions in the context of diagnosis of melanoma. New entrants into dermoscopy should be familiar, if not competent, in algorithms such as the ABCD rule, the Menzies method, the 7-point checklist, the 3-point checklist, chaos and clues, and CASH (color, architecture, symmetry, and homogeneity).[12] These have higher grades of evidence as compared to dermoscopy in general dermatology, which is mainly based on lesser quality of evidence.[13,14] There are some online tutorials – both formal and informal – which can help you get started on dermoscopy (Some examples include: http://dermoscopy-ids.org/education-elearning/tutorials/, http://www.meduni-graz.at/IDD/general.html, http://www.dermnetnz.org/doctors/dermoscopy-course/, http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn/training/courses/school-of-medicine/an-introduction-to-dermoscopy/, http://www.skincancercollege.org/course/diploma-dermoscopy/), but as mentioned, most of the formal programs have a primary focus on the early diagnosis and triage of melanoma rather than on dermoscopy in general dermatology.

There are also quite a few other books and atlases which can help to become familiar with dermoscopic patterns in general dermatology (details), and of course newer descriptions of dermoscopy of inflammatory dermatosis continue to appear in dermatology journals regularly. There are some journals (such as Dermatology Practical and Conceptual) which have a significant focus on dermoscopy and many top dermatology journals now have sections dedicated to dermoscopy. IDOJ has also taken a proactive step to encourage the establishment of clear criteria for the use of dermoscopy in general dermatology by starting a dedicated section for the same “Through the dermoscope” (detailed Instructions are available at: http://www.idoj.in/contributors.asp).

Most of dermoscopy literature revolves around the early diagnosis and triage of cutaneous malignancies, mainly melanoma. While using dermoscopy for general dermatology, one limitation is that there are very few established algorithms available, especially for inflammatory disorders and infections. Usually, the dermatologists has a list of differential diagnosis based on the clinical morphology. Dermoscopic patterns of each of these differentials would have to be reviewed to arrive at a definite conclusion.

However, over the recent years, there has been a considerable build up of literature related to the use of dermoscopy in general dermatology. This is especially true in the case of trichoscopy.

In effect, dermoscopy can be used for any skin lesion. Clear criteria and dermoscopic patterns have been established for conditions such as melanoma/melanocytic nevi, basal cell carcinoma, seborrheic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma (including Bowen's disease), and many more benign skin tumors. Dermoscopy of the hair (trichoscopy) is another area which has seen a lot of work being done in the recent past. Trichoscopic criteria for localized and diffuse hair loss have been described.[15,16] The most important parameters that should be assessed when applying dermoscopy in general dermatology include morphological vascular patterns, arrangement of vascular structures, colors, and follicular abnormalities (where relevant)—and the presence of other specific features (clues). Newer studies on dermoscopic findings in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis findings are being published regularly and some of these are clearly established now, for example, the regularly arranged dotted vessels in psoriasis.[13] However, it would still take a lot more well-designed studies with good sample sizes to establish usable criteria for dermsocopy in inflammatory dermatosis especially considering specific skin types as among the Indian population.

Dermoscopy is a relatively young, dynamic, and exciting field. The dynamic nature is especially true for dermoscopy in general dermatology as newer patterns continue to be described on a regular basis. We hope that the “through the dermoscope” section of this journal will also contribute significantly toward the development of dermoscopy in general dermatology, especially in the context of dermoscopy in Indian skin.

DISCLAIMER

We have referred a lot of latest available literature on the subject and utmost care has been taken to ensure the correctness and authenticity of the information provided in this article. We do not have affiliation to any manufacturer or developer [software or hardware] and we shall not be responsible for any consequences thereof. The readers are requested to thoroughly screen the information and look for reviews prior to investing on resources for their clinical purposes. Further details for the above devices can be obtained through the manufacturer websites.

REFERENCES