What is Spectrophotometric Intracutaneous Analysis (SIAscopy) - and how does it help in mole analysis

1. What is Spectrophotometric Intracutaneous Analysis (SIAscopy) - and how does it help in mole analysis? SIAscopy - EpicDermis When it comes to examining moles for possible skin cancer, traditional checks often rely on surface-level observations: size, shape, border irregularity, colour and change over time. But there is a more advanced, deeper-insight technique Spectrophotometric Intracutaneous Analysis (SIAscopy™) that can look beneath the visible surface of the skin. What is SIAscopy?

2. SIAscopy is a non-invasive, painless scanning method designed to assess pigmented skin lesions (moles) by analysing the interaction of light with skin structures. Using a handheld scanner, the technique emits light onto the skin, and captures the light that is reflected and scattered back. Based on how different skin components absorb or scatter light, SIAscopy generates colour-coded images called SIAscans™. These maps show the relative distribution and location of key skin elements blood (hemoglobin), pigment (melanin), and collagen within the layers of the skin. Because SIAscopy “understands” how light travels through skin, how it bounces, is absorbed by pigment or blood vessels, or scattered by collagen, it can give dermatologists a deeper view into what lies below the skin surface. How does SIAscopy work in practice? Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process: ● A handheld device (e.g. the SIAscope™) is placed on the area of skin to be examined. ● The device illuminates the skin with light. Some of that light reflects immediately from the surface; the rest penetrates into the skin’s top layers. ● As light travels under the skin, it is absorbed differently by various structures: pigment in the outer layer (epidermis), blood in vessels deeper in the dermis, and collagen in the skin matrix. ● Some of that light is scattered back toward the surface; these returning signals are captured by the scanner. ● Proprietary mathematical models of skin light-interaction convert these signals into a set of images (SIAscans), each highlighting different chromophores (melanin, blood, collagen) and their depth distribution.

3. ● A qualified clinician interprets these SIAscans to assess whether a mole shows suspicious features (e.g. unusual pigment distribution, abnormal blood supply or structural disruption) that might not be evident in a surface photograph or visual exam. Why is SIAscopy an advancement over traditional mole-checking? ● Looks below the surface: Traditional mole checks and even dermatoscopy examine what’s visible on the skin surface. SIAscopy goes deeper up to a few millimetres under the skin’s surface revealing information about blood supply, pigment distribution and dermal structure that may hint at early malignancy. ● Objective data: Rather than relying solely on visual inspection and subjective judgment, SIAscopy provides objective, quantitative data about skin composition (melanin, hemoglobin, collagen). This can help in early detection. ● Non-invasive and quick: The method does not require biopsy or tissue removal, making it safe, painless, and repeatable. ● Enhanced detection potential: By revealing abnormalities beneath the skin, SIAscopy increases the chances of identifying suspicious moles that might look benign superficially but have concerning features underneath. How SIAscopy is used in a clinical setting A mole-analysis clinic using SIAscopy (for example in London) may offer: ● Full body mapping or mole-by-mole digital mole scanning using the SIAscope™ for patients concerned about existing moles or at risk of skin cancer. ● Immediate SIAscan results interpreted by qualified doctors, giving patients peace of mind or prompt recommendation for further action if suspicious moles are detected.

4. ● A less invasive, more thorough alternative or addition to traditional skin check routines especially important in cases where moles appear normal on the surface but could harbor deeper abnormalities. When SIAscopy can make a crucial difference ● For individuals with many moles, or a history of sun exposure or skin cancer where regular mole monitoring is important. ● For moles that visually appear benign, but you want a deeper check to be safe. ● When patients prefer a non-invasive, quick check rather than immediately resorting to biopsy or excision. ● As part of an overall mole monitoring or mapping program where repeated scans over time can detect subtle changes not visible to the naked eye. Limitations and the role of professional judgment While SIAscopy offers powerful insights, it should not be seen as a standalone guarantee or replacement for clinical/dermoscopic evaluation by trained professionals. It does, however, provide an important adjunct tool enhancing clinicians’ ability to assess risk, prioritize suspicious moles for biopsy or removal, or monitor benign moles over time. In a well-equipped mole-analysis clinic, SIAscopy helps bridge the gap between surface examination and invasive testing. SIAscopy provides an advanced, non-invasive, in-depth view of pigmented skin lesions, helping to detect suspicious moles that might otherwise go unnoticed. When performed by qualified clinicians at a trusted Mole Analysis Clinic in London such as EpicDermis, SIAscopy offers greater diagnostic confidence, faster reassurance, and an extra layer of safety in early skin cancer detection.