At the clinic you will have an examination of the suspected skin cancer, you may also have:

• an examination of all your skin
• examination with a dermatoscope (a handheld microscope for examining skin)
• photographs may be taken
• a discussion about sun protection measures
• a surgical procedure or be referred for one

Following a skin cancer diagnosis most patients will not require further investigations. In some cases further tests may need to be carried out to determine if the cancer cells have spread beyond the skin to the nearby lymph nodes or other organs. These investigations may also assist in the planning of any further treatment required.

Read more about the diagnosis of skin cancer.

Staging and grading of skin cancer

Your skin specialist will need information about the stage and grade of the cancer. The stage of a cancer describes its size, position and whether it has spread beyond the area of the body where it started.  The grade of a cancer gives an idea of how quickly the cancer may grow.

Find out more about staging and grading of each skin cancer.