How to Learn About the Skin Cancer Diagnosis Process

As with most types of cancers, the skin cancer diagnosis process is focused on early detection, which can determine the success of the treatment. It is important to check yourself for unusual moles, lesions or irregular patches of skin, or to have someone else such as a doctor assist you with the areas of your body you cannot see. Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas, the three basic types of skin cancer, are among the most treatable of all cancers, but early diagnosis is crucial.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Oncologist or dermatologist

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Instructions

Understand the Objective of the Diagnosis Process

• 1

  Learn that the first objective of the skin cancer diagnosis process is to determine whether the cancerous cells are 'in situ,' or localized, or spreading to other parts of the body.

• 2

  Increase your chances of survival by obtaining a diagnosis as soon as possible. If the skin cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the affected area, the 5-year survival rate is only 60 percent, and if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is only 14 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.

Get Involved With the Diagnosis Process

• 3

  Give your oncologist or dermatologist as much information as possible about your family history and other experiences with cancer you may have had. Talk about your risk factors, such as exposure to the sun.

• 4

  Allow a complete examination of all suspicious moles, lesions and skin irregularities, in addition to any enlarged lymph nodes.

• 5

  Get a biopsy, which involves removing tissue from the suspicious area, and sending the sample to the lab for testing.

• 6

  Insist upon a follow-up consultation as soon as the lab results are finished, so can you can learn which treatment plan will be most effective.