Skin cancer diagnosis

Early detection is important

Each year, more than a million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with the most common forms of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma – which together are known as non-melanoma skin cancers. Fortunately through skin cancer screenings, there are ways to detect these skin cancers early, when they are curable.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is not as common as the other two major types of skin cancer, but is much more serious. That makes early skin cancer screenings, detection, and treatment of the disease very important.

If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, including melanoma, or have noticed anything unusual, Advocate Health Care's primary care physicians are here to help. We offer comprehensive exams to assess any concerns or changes in your skin, and can refer you directly to a dermatologist, if needed.

To schedule an appointment, call 800-3-ADVOCATE or find a doctor online.

Diagnosing skin cancer

During a skin cancer screening, after examining your skin, your doctor may remove a small sample of tissue (skin biopsy) from any suspicious areas. You may also have imaging tests during a skin cancer screening to examine nearby lymph nodes or an in-office procedure to remove a lymph node and test it for signs of cancer (sentinel lymph node biopsy).

If skin cancer is diagnosed, our specialists will use advanced CT scans or other X-ray tests to determine the extent of the cancer. We use Roman numerals I through IV to indicate a cancer's stage. Stage I cancers are small and limited to the area where they began. Stage IV indicates advanced cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.

Based on the stage of the cancer, your physician will work closely with our cancer specialists and you to create a personalized treatment plan.