diagnosis
What happens during a skin biopsy and what do the results tell your care team?
What happens Your care team checks any unusual spot on your skin. They can explain what a skin biopsy involves for you.
What happens When a spot on your skin looks unusual, your care team checks it. Your care team can explain what a skin biopsy involves for your situation.
Why they check Care teams use the letters ABCDE to describe warning signs in a mole. Asymmetry means one half of the mole does not match the other half. Border means the edges look ragged, blurred, or irregular. Color means the color looks uneven, with shades of black, brown, or tan. Diameter means the spot has grown bigger. Evolving means the mole has changed over recent weeks or months. Your care team also checks moles that look unusual or grow larger. They also check moles that change in color or outline. Finding skin cancer early helps treatment work better.
What the results can mean If the results show melanoma, surgery is usually the first treatment used. This is true no matter the stage. Other treatments your care team may discuss include chemotherapy and radiation. Biologic therapy and targeted therapy are other options.
What to do Talk with your care team about any new or changing spot on your skin. They can explain what they found and what it may mean for you.
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Sources
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.