Skin cancer diagnosis

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

A skin biopsy is one of the most effective methods used by dermatologists in order to make an accurate diagnosis of or to rule out skin cancer. A skin biopsy can also accurately determine what type of skin cancer the patient has, in the case where skin cancer is detected. The patient's skin will also be closely examined, and some doctors will decide to take digital photographs of the patient's suspected skin tumour in order to document these photos in the case of any changes occurring. 

Patients should always see a dermatologist if they notice the presence of any skin lesion whose appearance or pigmentation varies.

 

When should patients see a skin specialist if they are worried about skin cancer?

Changes in moles: Patients should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if they notice any significant changes in their moles. This includes alterations in size, shape, colour, or texture. Moles that become larger than a pencil eraser or start to develop irregular borders should be examined by a specialist.

New or unusual growths: If patients notice the development of new growths on their skin, especially if these growths are unusual in appearance, it's essential to consult a dermatologist. Unusual growths can include raised, rough, scaly, or pearly bumps, as well as sores that don't heal.

Persistent symptoms: Skin cancer may manifest as persistent symptoms such as itching, pain, tenderness, or bleeding in an area of the skin. If any of these symptoms persist for an extended period, it's important to seek medical evaluation.

Family history: Individuals with a family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, are at higher risk. In such cases, regular check-ups with a dermatologist may be recommended as a preventive measure.

Sun exposure: Prolonged or intense exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer. People who have a history of excessive sun exposure, sunburns, or tanning bed use should be vigilant about skin changes and consult a dermatologist regularly.

Fair skin and light eyes: People with fair skin, light-coloured eyes, and a tendency to sunburn easily are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Regular skin checks with a dermatologist are advisable for this group.

Age: Skin cancer risk increases with age. While skin cancer can affect people of all ages, it becomes more common as individuals get older. Regular skin examinations, especially for older individuals, can help with early detection.

 

What happens when skin cancer is detected?

Once a patient has been diagnosed with skin cancer, he or she will usually need to undergo an operation, performed by a plastic surgeon, to ensure that no cancerous cells are left in the patient's skin. Following this, the patient will typically have further tests done in order to pin down the exact stage of the skin cancer. These additional tests often include imaging tests, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy. 

 

The other tests that might be performed at this stage include the following: 

 

How important is it to diagnose skin cancer at an early stage?

The diagnosis of skin cancer at an early stage is highly instrumental in initiating treatment. Once diagnosed early on, several techniques can be used, such as photo documentation, digitised dermatoscopy, or epiluminescence microscopy, in order to minimise skin cancer treatment. 

 09-07-2023
Top Doctors

Skin cancer diagnosis

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Professor Julia Scarisbrick - Dermatology

Created on: 11-13-2012

Updated on: 09-07-2023

Edited by: Kate Forristal

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

A skin biopsy is one of the most effective methods used by dermatologists in order to make an accurate diagnosis of or to rule out skin cancer. A skin biopsy can also accurately determine what type of skin cancer the patient has, in the case where skin cancer is detected. The patient's skin will also be closely examined, and some doctors will decide to take digital photographs of the patient's suspected skin tumour in order to document these photos in the case of any changes occurring. 

Patients should always see a dermatologist if they notice the presence of any skin lesion whose appearance or pigmentation varies.

 

When should patients see a skin specialist if they are worried about skin cancer?

Changes in moles: Patients should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if they notice any significant changes in their moles. This includes alterations in size, shape, colour, or texture. Moles that become larger than a pencil eraser or start to develop irregular borders should be examined by a specialist.

New or unusual growths: If patients notice the development of new growths on their skin, especially if these growths are unusual in appearance, it's essential to consult a dermatologist. Unusual growths can include raised, rough, scaly, or pearly bumps, as well as sores that don't heal.

Persistent symptoms: Skin cancer may manifest as persistent symptoms such as itching, pain, tenderness, or bleeding in an area of the skin. If any of these symptoms persist for an extended period, it's important to seek medical evaluation.

Family history: Individuals with a family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, are at higher risk. In such cases, regular check-ups with a dermatologist may be recommended as a preventive measure.

Sun exposure: Prolonged or intense exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer. People who have a history of excessive sun exposure, sunburns, or tanning bed use should be vigilant about skin changes and consult a dermatologist regularly.

Fair skin and light eyes: People with fair skin, light-coloured eyes, and a tendency to sunburn easily are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Regular skin checks with a dermatologist are advisable for this group.

Age: Skin cancer risk increases with age. While skin cancer can affect people of all ages, it becomes more common as individuals get older. Regular skin examinations, especially for older individuals, can help with early detection.

 

What happens when skin cancer is detected?

Once a patient has been diagnosed with skin cancer, he or she will usually need to undergo an operation, performed by a plastic surgeon, to ensure that no cancerous cells are left in the patient's skin. Following this, the patient will typically have further tests done in order to pin down the exact stage of the skin cancer. These additional tests often include imaging tests, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy. 

 

The other tests that might be performed at this stage include the following: 

 

How important is it to diagnose skin cancer at an early stage?

The diagnosis of skin cancer at an early stage is highly instrumental in initiating treatment. Once diagnosed early on, several techniques can be used, such as photo documentation, digitised dermatoscopy, or epiluminescence microscopy, in order to minimise skin cancer treatment. 

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Professor Julia Scarisbrick

Dermatology


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