Skin Cancer Tests
Skin cancer is a disease that is challenging to accurately diagnose and stage. City of Hope’s team of internationally trained dermatologists and dermatopathologists use their clinical experience and expertise, and leading-edge technology, to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis — and the most effective treatment.
Tests to Diagnose Skin Cancer
Skin exam, the first test to diagnose skin cancer, is a thorough check of the skin for moles, spots or bumps that appear to be abnormal.
Skin biopsy involves removing tissue that appears abnormal to be viewed later under a microscope by a pathologist. There are several types of skin biopsy, including:
- Shave biopsy, used to remove the abnormal growth using a razor blade.
- Punch biopsy uses a special round instrument to remove a circular tissue sample.
- Incisional biopsy involves removing a section of an abnormal growth.
- Excisional biopsy involves removing all of an abnormal growth.
Molecular Testing
Determining whether a growth is benign or cancerous is a subtle process, requiring a trained eye and deep experience. As part of the diagnostic process, our specially trained dermatopathologists may perform wide-ranging molecular testing of skin cancers and melanomas.
Testing for specific mutations — such as BRAF and KIT — may also be performed by molecular pathologists, leading to more specific and individualized treatment options.