The video processor 12 as an image processing apparatus identifies the lesion in the observation target of the endoscope 11 by the operator of the endoscope 11 based on the signal from the endoscope 11 or the signal to the endoscope 11. It comprises a discrimination state judgment unit 32 which judges that it is in a discrimination state which is being performed, and a discrimination support unit 33 which supports discrimination of a lesioned part by the operator according to the judgment result of the discrimination state judgment unit 32.画像処理装置としてのビデオプロセッサ１２は、内視鏡１１からの信号若しくは内視鏡１１に対する信に基づいて、内視鏡１１の操作者が、内視鏡１１の観察対象における病変部の鑑別を行っている鑑別状態にあることを判定する鑑別状態判定部３２と、鑑別状態判定部３２の判定結果に応じて、操作者による病変部の鑑別を支援する鑑別支援部３３と、を備える。
