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Accurate skin diagnosis prevents future complications. Learn about our diagnostic tools, from routine skin exams and biopsies to advanced digital mole mapping.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Diagnosing skin conditions is a unique blend of visual inspection and microscopic science. Unlike internal organs, the skin is visible, which allows dermatologists to spot potential issues immediately.
However, what looks like a simple rash to the naked eye could be a complex autoimmune disease or an infection.
Therefore, we do not rely on guesses. At LIV Hospital, we use a structured diagnostic process. This moves from a specialized physical exam to non-invasive imaging, and finally, to laboratory analysis if needed.
Our goal is to give you a definitive name for your condition so we can start the right treatment immediately.
The most fundamental screening tool in dermatology is the Full-Body Skin Exam.
This is a routine check-up recommended annually for most adults, especially those with fair skin or a history of sun exposure. During this exam, you will change into a gown.
The doctor will systematically inspect your skin from head to toe. They look at the scalp, behind the ears, between the toes, and even at the fingernails.
They are hunting for the “ugly duckling,” a mole or spot that looks different from the rest. This exam is painless and usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It is the primary method for catching melanoma and other skin cancers in their earliest, most curable stages.
We encourage patients to speak up during this exam and point out any spots that have been itching, bleeding, or changing at home.
While visual exams are powerful, sometimes we need to test the skin physically to confirm a diagnosis. We use several bedside tests to get immediate answers.
Dermatologists use a dermatoscope, a handheld magnifier with polarized light, to see beneath the skin’s surface. It reveals pigment patterns and blood vessels invisible to the naked eye, helping distinguish harmless moles from cancer. This improves accuracy and reduces unnecessary biopsies.
If a spot looks suspicious or a rash will not go away, a biopsy is the definitive test. This involves removing a small sample of skin to send to a laboratory. A specialized doctor called a dermatopathologist analyzes the cells. There are three main techniques we use depending on the depth of the problem.
A Shave Biopsy is the most common method. The area is numbed, and the top layer of the lesion is shaved off. It heals like a scrape and usually doesn’t need stitches, ideal for raised moles or basal cell carcinoma. Punch Biopsy removes a small core of deeper skin for rashes or deeper cancers. Excisional Biopsy removes the entire lump, used when melanoma is suspected.
If you have a chronic itchy rash, patch testing can identify skin allergens. Small patches with common chemicals like nickel or fragrances are applied to your back for 48 hours. Your back must stay dry, and the clinic checks for reactions immediately and again 48 hours later to detect slow-acting allergies from soaps, jewelry, or cosmetics.
Digital Mole Mapping uses high-resolution photos to create a full-body skin map. AI compares new photos to previous ones, spotting new or changing moles. This helps detect skin cancer early, even when changes are subtle.
Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) is a “virtual biopsy” that uses a laser to examine skin cells in real time without cutting. It’s ideal for sensitive areas, helps detect cancer, and allows monitoring without repeated biopsies.
To get the most accurate results from your exam, a little preparation helps.
Remove Nail Polish: Doctors need to check your nails for signs of melanoma or fungal infections.
No Makeup: Arrive with a clean face so the doctor can examine your true skin texture and color.
Check Your Scalp: If you have long hair, be prepared to let it down so the scalp can be examined.
Bring Photos: If your rash comes and goes, bring pictures of what it looks like during a flare-up.
Medication List: Bring a list of all creams and pills you are taking, as some can cause skin reactions.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Biopsy results usually take 3 to 7 days and fall into three categories. Benign means the growth is harmless and needs no treatment.
Atypical or dysplastic means the cells are abnormal but not cancerous and may need monitoring or removal. Malignant indicates skin cancer, and your doctor will discuss the next steps, usually involving surgery to remove all cancer cells.
In rare cases, skin conditions are linked to inherited gene mutations. If you have a very strong family history of melanoma (three or more relatives), we might recommend genetic testing for the CDKN2A gene.
We also test for genetic syndromes that cause multiple skin tumors, such as Gorlin Syndrome or Neurofibromatosis. These blood tests help us understand your long-term risk and create a lifelong surveillance plan for you and your family.
Doctors use a dermoscopy (magnified visual exam) and confirm suspicious spots with a skin biopsy.
Remove nail polish, skip heavy makeup, wear a gown, and note any spots that worry you.
A quick local anesthetic numbs the area. You feel a small sting, then only pressure during the biopsy. Afterwards, it feels like a tiny scratch.
Skin biopsies are nearly 100% accurate. Dermoscopy boosts visual exam accuracy by ~30%, and mole mapping helps catch early changes.
High-risk people are those with over 50 moles, atypical moles, a personal/family melanoma history, or hard-to-see moles on the back.
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