Historical Review of Dermoscopy

Abstract

Introduction: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool that makes possible the recognition of structures not visible by the human eye. It is a noninvasive diagnostic technique used for in vivo observation of skin lesions, mainly pigmented. It allows a better visualization of the skin surface and the underlying structures.

Objective: To review the literature on the state of knowledge about dermoscopy, its indications and advantages.

Methods: A review was carried out of the literature available in SciELO, World Health Organization, Pan American Health Office, BVSCuba, PubMed Central, Medline, ClinicalKey and Medigraphic. The descriptors used were dermatoscopia [dermoscopy], lesiones pigmentadas [pigmented lesions], melanoma. During the review process, 3 books and 22 articles published in the last five years were retrieved.

Conclusions: The usefulness of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of both pigmented and nonpigmented lesions is unquestionable. In an economical, reliable and relatively easy way, it allows the specialist to define criteria for the removal of pigmented lesions, thus reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies.