Dermatoscopy and Mole Mapping

A handheld instrument, the skin surface microscope (dermatoscope) gives us a greatly magnified view of moles and freckles. This allows us to quickly and more accurately examine suspicious skin lesions. It can help to determine if a lesion needs to undergo a biopsy for diagnosis. The Maryland Laser, Skin & Vein Institute is the first practice in Maryland to offer “mole-mapping” by dermatoscope and computerized mole photography. This is an important breakthrough in the management of patients with “atypical moles” and family history of melanoma. The advanced Fotofinder (use link) from Germany allows us to more accurately track changes in moles and determine when to biopsy.