Biopsy

If your doctor suspects that a spot on your skin may be melanoma, they will suggest that you have a biopsy. The ideal method is an excision biopsy, however in some cases other types of biopsy may be used.

An excision biopsy is a quick and simple procedure that may be done by your GP, dermatologist or a surgeon. You will be given a local anaesthetic injection while the doctor uses a scalpel to cut out the mole and some surrounding tissue. You will then receive a stitch or stitches to help the wound to heal.

The tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing by a pathologist. The results will show whether or not the cells are cancerous (malignant). Results will be ready in about a week so you will probably have a follow-up appointment. This waiting period can be an anxious time. It may help to talk things over with a close friend or relative.

If the cells are found to be cancerous, the doctor will stage the melanoma. They may also do other tests to see if the cancer cells have spread. This may include taking more tissue.