This information has been reviewed by:
Dr Alvin H Chong, MBBS, M. Med, FACD,
Consultant Dermatologist, Skin and Cancer Foundation Victoria
Senior Lecturer in Dermatology, Dept. of Medicine (Dermatology)
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne.
Health professionals you may see
If you check your skin regularly (at least 4 times a year), you will be able to identify early changes that could be skin cancer. Make an appointment to get any changes checked by a doctor.
Skin cancer is not necessarily painful or itchy. If you notice anything that is unusual, new or changing on your skin and that does not go away within a couple of weeks, you should show it to your doctor.
Your doctor will examine you first, and may refer you to a specialist if cancer is suspected.
Health professionals who care for people with skin cancers include:
You may see other health professionals, depending on the sort of treatment you need.
Skin cancer is diagnosed by physical examination and biopsy. Your doctor will first examine the suspicious spot and will check other parts of your skin. A magnifying instrument (dermascope) may be used on suspicious spots.
Some people with a lot of moles may be advised to have their skin photographed. This provides an ongoing ‘map' that is used for comparison of spots over time to see if they are changing.
It is a good idea for all adults to have an examination at least once to learn if they are at high risk of skin cancer. They may then be advised to have regular check-ups. Most people will be advised to regularly check their own skin, including their back, scalp and feet. This can be done using a good light, a mirror and asking a partner to help for those areas that you can't see yourself.
If your doctor suspects that you have a skin cancer and needs to confirm it, they will suggest that you have a biopsy.
This is a quick and simple procedure. It may be done by your local doctor, or you can be referred to a dermatologist or surgeon. The doctor will give you a local anaesthetic and then use a scalpel to remove part or all of the spot and some surrounding tissue. You may have a stitch or stitches to help the wound to heal.
The tissue that is removed is then sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope. It may take about a week for the results of your tests to be ready and a follow-up appointment may be arranged for you. This waiting period can be an anxious time and it may help to talk things over with a close friend or relative or your doctor.
