If an abnormal area of your skin raises suspicion of skin cancer, your dermatologist will perform exams and tests to find out if it is melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer or some other skin condition. If skin cancer is confirmed, additional tests can determine if it has spread to other areas of the body.
Medical History Review & Physical Exam
Your dermatologist conducts a thorough review of your personal and family medical history to identify hereditary or genetic risk factors. He or she will also perform a head-to-toe review of your skin to check for any precancerous or cancerous lesions.
Tell your doctor if you have any specific concerns about your skin, such as a new or changing spot.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a type of exploratory surgery to remove cells or tissue for testing to determine if the spot is a melanoma. Your doctor takes a sample of skin from the suspicious area and looks at it under a microscope to determine whether it is cancerous.
In some cases, a biopsy of the lymph nodes or other areas of concern can determine whether the cancer has spread, and if so, how far.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests create cross-sectional pictures inside the body. Your doctor may conduct one or more imaging tests such as X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans or other tests to determine the possible spread of the cancer or to assess how well treatments are working.
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