How does a dermatoscope show a mole?
To the naked eye, a mole shows only its surface. A dermatoscope gets past this limit. The procedure is painless and takes a few minutes.
Author: Uzm. Dr. Oya Oylum Argun
To the naked eye, a mole shows only its surface. A dermatoscope gets past this limit.
The device does two things together: magnification and removing the reflection from the surface. When light is stopped from bouncing back off the skin surface, the pigment pattern and the blood vessel structure underneath become visible.
In this image, what is looked at are details the eye cannot pick out: whether the pigment forms a regular network, how the borders end, and how symmetrical the spread of colour is.
The procedure is painless and takes a few minutes. If a suspicious finding is seen, the next step is considered.
This article is for general information and does not replace individual medical advice. The right approach for you is decided at the consultation.
Last updated: 4 September 2026
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