Special locations
Dermoscopy, a vital diagnostic tool in dermatology, is employed for examining skin lesions across various body sites. However, its application in special anatomical locations, such as the face, acral areas (palms and soles), nails, and mucosal membranes, presents unique challenges and requires specific expertise. These areas exhibit distinct anatomical and physiological characteristics that influence the presentation of skin lesions, including those that are cancerous.
It has the following subchapters:
Facial Dermoscopy:
The face has a higher density of sebaceous glands and thinner skin, affecting the dermoscopic appearance of lesions. Specific techniques are used to assess pigmented and non-pigmented lesions in this region, with attention to structures like hair follicles and blood vessels.
Acral Dermoscopy:
Palms and soles have a unique dermatoglyphic pattern and thicker stratum corneum. Dermoscopic evaluation in these areas is crucial for early detection of acral melanoma, a form of skin cancer more common in certain populations.
Nail Dermoscopy:
Also known as onychoscopy, it is essential for diagnosing nail disorders, including nail melanoma. Key features include pigment band width, color, and the presence of Hutchinson's sign (pigmentation extending into the cuticle and nail folds)
Mucosal Dermoscopy:
Involves examining the oral and genital mucosa, which requires expertise due to the distinct vascular patterns and pigmentations in these areas. It's used for evaluating pigmented lesions and various mucosal conditions.
