Dermoscopy
Dermatology & Aesthetics
≈ ¥20-50
(≈ $3-7)
15 min
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Description
Estimated cost for Dermoscopy at general public hospitals in China is about ¥15-40, and at Grade 3A hospitals about ¥20-50, varying by hospital tier and region.
Main Uses
Primary clinical uses include: (1) Differentiating benign from malignant pigmented skin lesions (especially melanocytic lesions); (2) Guiding biopsy decisions to improve diagnostic yield and reduce unnecessary excisions; (3) Monitoring stable vs. changing lesions in serial digital dermoscopy (e.g., for high-risk patients or atypical nevi); (4) Aiding diagnosis of non-melanocytic tumors (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, dermatofibroma); (5) Supporting teledermatology consultations via image-based assessment.
Normal Range
Dermoscopy is a qualitative, non-quantitative imaging technique; it does not produce numerical values or standardized 'ranges'. Normal findings include symmetrical pigmentation, uniform color (tan, light brown, or skin-colored), well-defined borders, absence of atypical structures (e.g., irregular streaks, blue-white veil, atypical network, regression structures), and regular follicular or vascular patterns consistent with benign lesions (e.g., solar lentigo, seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma). Interpretation relies on pattern recognition using validated algorithms (e.g., ABCD rule, 7-point checklist, Menzies method) rather than numeric thresholds.
Low Values - Possible Causes
Dermoscopy does not yield 'low values' as it is not a quantitative assay; apparent 'low' findings are not clinically defined. However, absence of expected benign features (e.g., lack of pigment network in a melanocytic nevus, missing hair follicles in a keratotic lesion) may suggest technical limitations (e.g., poor contact, inadequate lighting, suboptimal magnification), operator inexperience, or atypical/early malignant transformation where classic benign patterns are diminished or obscured.
High Values - Possible Causes
Dermoscopy does not generate 'high values'; however, increased presence or prominence of specific dermoscopic features—such as marked asymmetry, multiple colors (black, blue, white, red), atypical pigment network, irregular streaks/globules, blue-white veil, negative pigment network, or polymorphous vessels—is associated with higher suspicion for malignancy (e.g., melanoma, Spitzoid melanoma, pigmented basal cell carcinoma). These 'high-feature' findings reflect structural disorganization—not elevated numerical output—and trigger biopsy referral.