Dermatoscopy (also known as dermoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy) is an examination of skin lesions with a 'dermatoscope'. This traditionally consists of a magnifier (typically x10), a non-polarised light source, a transparent plate and a liquid medium between the instrument and the skin, and allows inspection of skin lesions without any obstruction from skin reflections.
This examination is useful for dermatologists in distinguishing benign from malignant (cancerous) lesions, especially in diagnosis of melanoma.