Skin cancer is a disease that starts on the skin as the growth of squamous cells present in the middle and outer layers of the skin that grow abnormally on the skin tissue. It usually occurs on areas of the body like the head, neck, chest, upper back, ears, lips, arms, legs, and hands damaged by exposure to UV rays present in the sun or tanning beds. For optimum treatment, a speedy skin cancer diagnosis is necessary.
Diagnosis of skin cancer
During the skin cancer diagnosis, the doctor may recommend certain tests:
- Physical Examination: In a physical examination, a doctor will look at the skin to determine whether the skin changes are likely to be skin cancer and check for any lumps or growth on the skin lesions
- Biopsy: A biopsy is performed by removing a small sample of affected tissue to check for the presence of cancerous cells; the study is called histopathology to confirm the diagnosis of cancer. It is sometimes difficult to tell if the growth of cells is benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer), so to confirm this, pathologists perform further biopsy-related tests to check the sample for growth. In most cases, this type of cancer can be found early and is easier to cure if it is found before it spreads. There are 2 main methods to carry out a biopsy:
- Punch Biopsy: A tissue slice of the affected area is cut and examined in a histopathology laboratory to look for any cancerous cell
- Fine needle aspiration- in this method, a needle is used to draw out a small sample of tissue and fluids from the skin and then check for cancerous cells.
Conclusion
The skin is the largest organ in your body, and how is skin cancer detected is key to successful recovery. Unless skin cancer is treated in its early stages, it can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and organs, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is advisable to see a dermatologist if you notice any changes in skin spots or new growths. Also, having suitable health insurance can ensure financials are managed well during treatment.