Diagnosis

For your patients with skin cancer, we offer this information about the process used to diagnose it.

Skin cancer develops when cells in your skin grow abnormally and out of control. Melanoma is a more aggressive type of skin cancer, and it can grow and spread rapidly. Accurate and early diagnosis is important in improving treatment success.

Skin cancer is usually discovered by a dermatologist. Premier Health dermatologists are specially trained to find existing skin cancers at their earliest and most treatable stages. A thorough, head-to-toe, baseline skin examination by a dermatologist is recommended for all adults to screen for skin cancer. Based on findings, ongoing mole and skin cancer evaluations may be needed.

If your doctor suspects you have skin cancer, he or she will confirm diagnosis with a surgical skin biopsy, in which part of the potential skin cancer is removed and sent to a lab for testing. Your doctor may also order X-rays, blood work, and a CT scan to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of your body.