Dermatoscopy (also known as epiluminescence microscopy) is the examination of cutaneous lesions with a dermatoscope, a magnifier with a light and a liquid medium between the instrument and the skin, thus illuminating the lesion without reflected light. Model of the layers of human skin In zootomy and dermatology, skin is an organ of the integumentary system composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. ...

Skin surface microscopy started in 1663 by Kolhaus and was improved with the addition of immersion oil in 1878 by Abbe. The German dermatologist, Johann Saphier, added a built-in light source to the instrument. Goldman was the first dermatologist to coin the term "dermascopy" and to use the dermatoscope to evaluate pigmented cutaneous lesions. Ernst Karl Abbe Ernst Karl Abbe (January 23, 1840 in Eisenach – January 14, 1905 in Jena), was a German physicist. ... Goldman is the surname of several people: Emma Goldman, anarchist writer and speaker Jami Goldman a famous athlete competing in paralympics. ...

This instrument is helpful to dermatologists in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions, especially of aid in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Dermatology is a branch of medicine dealing with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases (from Greek derma, skin), as well as its appendages (nails, hair, sweat glands). ... Diagnosis (from the Greek words dia = by and gnosis = knowledge) is the process of identifying a disease by its signs, symptoms and results of various diagnostic procedures. ... Melanoma is a malignant tumour of melanocytes. ...