Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Diagnosis

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Newly Diagnosed?
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Newly Diagnosed? We Can Help
Getting the correct diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment from the start is crucial

Most suspected skin cancers are first noticed by the patient or a family member before they are brought to the attention of a doctor.

To make a diagnosis of skin cancer, the doctor will take a complete medical history and ask the patient about his or her past exposure to the sun and other known causes of skin cancer, and whether he or she has a personal or family history of skin conditions. The doctor will probably ask when the mark appeared and whether it has changed in size or appearance.

If the doctor believes there is any cause for concern about a particular patch of skin, he or she will perform a biopsy, during which all or part of the growth is surgically removed. This is usually done in the doctor's office using a local anesthetic. The skin that is removed during the biopsy is examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine if any cancer is present. If so, the doctor will determine how far the basal cell carcinoma has progressed, in order to select the best possible treatment.


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