Diagnosis

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Getting the correct diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment from the start is crucial

Many suspected melanomas are first noticed by the patient or by a family member before they are brought to the attention of a doctor.

To make an initial diagnosis of melanoma, the doctor will take a complete medical history and ask the patient about his or her history of sun exposure, history of normal and abnormal moles, and family history of skin conditions. The doctor also will perform a skin examination and check for enlarged lymph nodes, which can indicate that the cancer has spread.

Biopsy

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If the doctor believes there is any cause for concern about a particular mole or patch of skin, he or she will perform a biopsy, in 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 is examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine if any cancer is present.

Imaging Tests

If cancer is found to be present in a mole or patch of skin, the doctor may perform additional diagnostic tests, including blood tests, a chest x-ray, or other diagnostic imaging tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography). Information from these tests will help the doctor determine the stage (extent) of the disease and select the appropriate treatment.

Last Updated: Nov. 12, 2008

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