Dermatoscopy is an examination of moles and other skin spots with a handheld magnifier that uses polarised light or a fluid interface to see structures beneath the skin surface. Digital mole mapping adds whole-body photographs and stored close-up images so changes can be tracked.
In trained hands it clearly improves the detection of melanoma and reduces unnecessary removals. It cannot give a final diagnosis: any lesion that remains suspicious still has to be removed and examined under a microscope.
What Dermatoscopy and Mole Mapping shows
Through the dermatoscope the doctor sees pigment networks, dots, globules, streaks, blue-white areas and the pattern of small blood vessels. These features separate harmless moles, seborrhoeic keratoses, angiomas and dermatofibromas from melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma with far more confidence than the naked eye. Mapping software compares today's image of each mole with earlier ones and flags new lesions or changes in size, shape or colour.
When Dermatoscopy and Mole Mapping is recommended
- A mole that has changed, itches, bleeds or looks different from your others
- More than about 50 moles, or several atypical ones
- A personal or close family history of melanoma
- Fair skin with a history of sunburn or sunbed use
- Immunosuppression, for example after an organ transplant
Limits and situations where another test is better:
- It does not replace a biopsy when a lesion is suspicious
- Mapping is of little value in people with few moles and low risk
- Nail, scalp and mucosal lesions can be hard to assess
How to prepare
- Remove nail varnish and make-up
- Avoid fake tan for 2 weeks beforehand
- Note any spots you are worried about
What happens during the test
You undress to your underwear and the doctor checks the whole skin surface, including the scalp, soles and between the toes. The dermatoscope rests lightly on the skin; nothing is cut or injected. A full check takes 15 to 20 minutes, and digital mapping with photography takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Results and next steps
The dermatologist gives an opinion on each lesion during the visit. Anything suspicious is booked for excision under local anaesthetic, with histology in about a week. People at high risk are advised to repeat mapping every 6 to 12 months.
- Test time: 15 to 45 minutes
- Results ready: Immediately
- Back to everyday activity: None
Safety and risks
- No physical risk from the examination
- A small chance that an early or featureless melanoma is missed, which is why changing lesions should always be rechecked
Arranging Dermatoscopy and Mole Mapping in Türkiye
A skin check is easy to add to any visit and takes under an hour. Mapping works best when it is repeated in the same place with the same system, so if you start a series abroad, ask for your images in a portable format.
Send your previous reports and the question you want answered and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a phone app just as good?
No. Apps are inconsistent and are not a substitute for an examination by a trained dermatologist.
Should every odd mole be removed?
No. The aim of dermatoscopy is to remove the right ones and leave harmless ones alone.
How do I check myself between visits?
Look monthly for a new spot, or one that changes in size, shape or colour, or that stands out from the rest.