If the doctor feels they can diagnose the skin cancer by examining the spot, you may not need any further tests before having treatment. However, it’s not always possible to tell the difference between a skin cancer and a non-cancerous skin spot just by looking at it. If there is any doubt, the doctor may need to take a tissue sample (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis.
A biopsy is a quick and simple procedure that is usually done in the doctor’s office. You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area, then the doctor will either:
- completely cut out the spot and a small amount of healthy tissue around it (excision biopsy)
- take a small piece of tissue from the spot (punch or incision biopsy).
Stitches may be used to close a larger wound and help it heal. All tissue that is removed is sent to a laboratory, where a pathologist will examine it under a microscope. The results will be available in about a week.
If all the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue are removed during the biopsy, this may be the only treatment you need.
Learn more about the different types of skin cancer.
Podcast: Tests and Cancer
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A/Prof Stephen Shumack, Dermatologist, Royal North Shore Hospital and The University of Sydney, NSW; Dr Margaret Chua, Radiation Oncologist, Head of Radiation Oncology, Skin and Melanoma, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; John Clements, Consumer; Aoife Conway, Skin Lead and Radiation Oncology Nurse, GenesisCare, Mater Hospital, NSW; Sandra Donaldson, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Kath Lockier, Consumer; Dr Isabel Gonzalez Matheus, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Principal House Officer, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; A/Prof Andrew Miller, Dermatologist, Canberra Hospital, ACT; Dr Helena Rosengren, Chair Research Committee, Skin Cancer College of Australasia, and Medical Director, Skin Repair Skin Cancer Clinic, QLD; Dr Michael Wagels, Staff Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, and Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland, QLD; David Woods, Consumer.
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