Definition:
The epiluminescence or reflecting microscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic method which proves useful in the study of pigmented cutaneous lesions and of certain skin cancers.

Technique:
A 50x lens is laid on the cutaneous neoformation, on which a thin layer of inert fluid (immersion oil, cedar oil, etc.) has been previously spread; this allows a better visualization through a transparency effect, i.e. we are enabled to observe some inner features of the neoformation that could not otherwise be inspected.
The lens is connected to a camera, a monitor and a personal computer: thus the image is recorded and filed in digital format on the personal computer and is then processed through specific software. Images can also be acquired on portable computers although superior graphics boards and higher definition monitors will be needed for the subsequent viewing.
Thus it is possible to determine precisely some benignity or malignity features of the lesions in question and so make a more informed decision about the most suitable treatment, i.e. surgical removal or follow-up.