Skin Cancer Diagnosis
To diagnose skin cancer, doctors must carefully examine the lesion and ask the patient
about how long it has been there, whether it itches or bleeds, and other questions about
the patient's medical history. If skin cancer cannot be ruled out, a sample of the tissue
is removed and examined under a microscope (a biopsy). A definitive diagnosis of
squamous or basal cell cancer can only be made with microscopic examination of the tumor cells. Once skin cancer has been diagnosed,
the stage of the disease's development is determined. The information from the biopsy and
staging allows the physician and patient to plan for treatment and possible surgical
intervention.
The different types of skin biopsy
Skin cancer self-examination before diagnosis
A skin cancer self-examination is easy enough to perform. A full-length mirror, hand
mirror or family member can help you check hard-to-see areas of your body. Memorize the
ABCDE rule for skin cancer: check for asymmetry, border, color, diameter
or elevation changes.
ABCDE rule for skin cancer diagnosis
Asymmetry: Does the mole have the same shape on one side as the other? If you were
to divide the mole in half, would the two halves match? Odd-shaped moles should be
reported to your doctor.
Border: A mole's edges are usually smooth, and clearly defined when compared to the
surrounded skin. "Scalloped" or "blotchy" borders may indicate a
problem, as can pigment that appears to "bleed" into the surrounding skin.
Color: Moles are usually one color. A growth that is multi-colored, or changes in
color tone, should be considered suspect.
Diameter: A sudden increase in mole size should be investigated, especially if the
growth is larger then six millimeters across (about the area of a pencil eraser).
Elevation: If a previously flat mole suddenly becomes elevated (raised up from the
surrounding area), report it to your doctor.
In addition to the ABCDE rule for skin cancer diagnosis, report any moles that bleed,
cause itching or pain, or ulcerate (destroy epidermal tissue, causing a pit-like sore).
Remember, the earlier melanoma is caught, the better the chance that it can be cured.
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