How is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?

Skin cancer is becoming a more common health concern. Though hearing the word “cancer” can be frightening, it’s important to face it with knowledge and awareness. Detecting skin cancer early and getting an accurate diagnosis are both key to a successful treatment plan and can help greatly improve the chances of recovery.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Being aware of the warning signs is essential for identifying potential concerns early on. Below are some of the common signs of skin cancer to watch for:

  • Changing Moles or Growths: Any mole or growth that undergoes a noticeable change in size, shape, color or texture should be evaluated by a dermatology provider.
  • Dome-Shaped Growths: Skin cancer can sometimes appear as raised, dome-shaped growths on the skin’s surface, which may firm or tender to the touch.
  • Scaly Patches: Persistent rough, scaly patches that resemble eczema or psoriasis but fail to respond to over-the-counter treatments could be indicative of skin cancer.
  • Non-Healing Sores: Sores or lesions that fail to heal within a reasonable timeframe or seem to heal partially and then recur should be evaluated promptly.
  • Discolored Spots or Nail Streaks: Unusual brown, black or discolored spots on the skin or streaks beneath the nails can be a warning sign of skin cancer.

Why Self-Examination Is Key to Skin Cancer Prevention

One of the most powerful tools in the fight against skin cancer is self-examination, which empowers individuals to detect “skin changes” or abnormalities early. By becoming familiar with your skin’s unique patterns, you can identify suspicious signs and then seek professional advice immediately.

Diagnosing Skin Cancer: Skin Biopsy

When a dermatologist suspects the presence of skin cancer, they will typically recommend a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is the only definitive way to confirm the presence of skin cancer cells and determine the specific type of skin cancer present.

Types of Skin Biopsy

Depending on the size, location and appearance of the suspicious area, your dermatology provider may choose one of several types of skin biopsy:

  • Shave Biopsy: This is the most common type of biopsy for superficial skin lesions. This method is quick and leaves a shallow wound that typically heals with minimal scarring.
  • Punch Biopsy: For deeper or more complex lesions, a punch biopsy may be performed. This method is often used when a more in-depth examination of the tissue is needed. The wound may be closed with a few stitches.
  • Excisional Biopsy: If the dermatology provider suspects that the entire lesion needs to be removed, they may opt for an excisional biopsy. This type of biopsy may be necessary for larger or more concerning lesions and typically requires stitches.
  • Incisional Biopsy: Similar to an excisional biopsy, but only a portion of the lesion is removed. This method is used when the lesion is too large to remove entirely or when the dermatology provider needs to preserve as much tissue as possible.

What to Expect from the Skin Biopsy Process

During a skin biopsy, the dermatology provider will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort. They will then carefully remove the portion of the suspicious tissue using specialized instruments. The sample will be sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis by a trained pathologist.

The pathologist will examine the tissue sample under a microscope, looking for any abnormal or cancerous cells. This detailed examination of the skin cancer biopsy tissue sample is essential in determining the type of skin cancer present, as well as its stage and potential aggressiveness.

Understanding Your Skin Biopsy Results

Once the pathologist has completed their analysis, a comprehensive biopsy report will be prepared and shared with the dermatology specialist. This report will provide vital information, including:

  • Confirmation or ruling out of skin cancer
  • Specific types of skin cancer identified (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
  • Stage and depth of the cancer, if present
  • Additional details about the tumor’s characteristics and behavior

Based on this information, the doctor can develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs and the nature of the skin cancer, if present.

Skin Cancer Treatments: What Are Your Choices?

The skin cancer treatment approach depends on various factors, including the type of skin cancer, its stage and grade, the patient’s overall health and personal preferences. Some common treatment options include the following.

Skin Cancer Removal

For many types of skin cancer, surgical removal is the primary treatment option. This can involve excision (cutting out the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue) or Mohs surgery (a specialized technique that precisely removes the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible).

Skin Cancer Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be recommended in certain cases, particularly for skin cancer that are difficult to treat surgically or have a high risk of recurrence. It involves using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.

Topical Therapies for Skin Cancer

For some early-stage or precancerous skin lesions, topical therapies such as creams, gels or ointments containing chemotherapeutic agents or immune-modulating drugs may be used to treat the affected area.

Systemic Therapies

In more advanced cases or for certain types of skin cancer, systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy may be recommended. These treatments are administered orally or intravenously and target cancer cells throughout the body.

Skin Biopsy & Skin Cancer Treatment at Schweiger Dermatology Group

Skin cancer is a serious condition, but with early detection, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for most patients can be positive. By staying vigilant, practicing sun protection and regularly examining your skin, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.
Book an appointment at Schweiger Dermatology Group and get checked for skin cancer today.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010, Schweiger Dermatology Group began as a single office in Midtown Manhattan with a mission to deliver high-quality dermatologic care without long waits. As demand grew, so did the practice. Today we have over 120 locations across 8 states with more than 400 of the nation's leading providers and were ranked as the number one practice nationally in cosmetic and reconstructive care by Castle Connolly. In 2023, we broadened our expertise by integrating allergy care into our services. We remain committed to offering exceptional medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology as well as comprehensive allergy services, ensuring patients receive expert care in a modern, state-of-the art environment.

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