Diagnosing Skin Cancer
How Do I Know if It's Skin Cancer?
All suspicious skin growths must be biopsied to confirm a skin cancer diagnosis. Depending on the suspected type of skin cancer, the biopsy techniques vary slightly but crucially.
Any potential melanoma requires a biopsy in which the entire growth is removed, if possible, with a scalpel. A pathologist then studies the sample under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.
If melanoma is diagnosed, other tests may be ordered to assess the degree of cancer spread (metastasis). They include:
- Imaging: Your doctor may order one or more tests to look for metastasis. They include CT scan, MRI, and chest X-ray.
- Other biopsies: Using a variety of techniques, your doctor may want to get tissue samples from other organs or lymph nodes.
Skin growths that are most likely basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or other forms of nonmelanoma can be biopsied in various ways. Part or all of the growth can be taken with a scalpel, or a thin layer can be shaved off for examination under a microscope.
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