The evaluation of skin cancer begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with skin cancer may include changes in a skin lesion:

• Asymmetric shape:
• One side of a skin lesion does not look like the other
• Bleeding or cracking around a skin lesion
• Irregular border around a skin lesion
• Irregular coloration of a skin lesion
• Mixed color of a skin lesion
• Rapid change in color of a skin lesion
• Rapid change in size or shape of a skin lesion
• Skin lesion larger than 6 mm (1/4 inch)
• A skin lesion with blood vessels in it

The diagnosis of a skin cancer requires a skin biopsy.

Tests that may be used to evaluate skin cancer include:

• Bone scan
• Chest x-ray
• CT scanning of the brain
• CT scanning of the abdomen
• CT scanning of the chest

For more information:

• Basal cell carcinoma evaluation
• Malignant melanoma evaluation
• Squamous cell carcinoma evaluation