Dermatoscopy (also known as ermoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy) is the examination of cutaneous lesions with a dermatoscope (also known as dermoscope), a magnifier with either cross-polarized or non-polarized light and a liquid medium between the instrument and the skin, thus illuminating the lesion without glare from reflected light. It is used by dermatology physician specialists to help distinguish benign from malignant lesions. It is especially of aid in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma.