Skin imaging / total body photography and dermoscopy

Dermoscopy (also called dermatoscopy) uses a handheld lens at about 10x magnification. With polarized or immersion light, it reveals pigment patterns and tiny blood vessels under your skin that the naked eye misses. In clinical studies, a meta-analysis found it improves the odds of spotting melanoma by roughly 9 to 15 times versus naked-eye checks. Total body photography (TBP) takes a standardized baseline of all your moles. Combined with repeat digital dermoscopy over time, it helps watch high-risk people. Those include people with more than 50 atypical moles, a family melanoma syndrome, or a past melanoma. AI tools (FotoFinder, SkinVision, MoleScope) and neural networks have matched dermatologists' sensitivity in research. But their real-world performance varies. The method is non-invasive and radiation-free. It has limits, though. It needs trained operators. It is less accurate on pigment-free lesions and on nails, palms, and soles. And there is an unsettled trade-off between catching cancers earlier and doing too many biopsies.

Last reviewed: June 22, 2026

This definition is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a doctor about any health decisions. Read our full medical disclaimer