Skin Cancer

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Diagnosis & Tests

A healthcare provider will check your skin for unusual growths at a yearly visit or when you notice a concerning change.

Some questions your provider may ask

  • When did you first notice the skin problem?
  • Have you noticed other changes in your skin or anywhere else on your body?
  • Is there any pain, itching, or tenderness near the spot?
  • Have you had sunburns or a lot of sun exposure?
  • Does anyone in your family have skin cancer, especially melanoma?

Your provider may take a small skin sample, called a biopsy, after numbing the area. A specialist called a pathologist will look at the sample under a microscope to check for abnormal cells. This procedure usually leaves little to no scarring.

If cancer cells are found, your provider may order more tests before deciding on treatment.

Tumor Staging

Using the results, the dermatologist will assign the tumor a “stage” based on:

  • Size
  • Spread
  • Cell type and depth
  • How fast the cells are growing

The type of skin cancer helps the cancer specialist (oncologist) or dermatologist decide which treatment is best.


Last Updated May 2026

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