What are the key points of skin cancer examination

The focus of the physical examination is to accurately determine any changes that occur on normal skin, especially in areas exposed to sunlight. The size, diameter, depth of invasion, and whether there are multiple lesions must be accurately recorded. The regional lymph nodes must be carefully examined and a preliminary judgment made. Let's take a look at the key points of skin cancer examination.

Diagnostic Skin Cancer Biopsy Techniques

In order to ensure an accurate diagnosis of skin cancer, an accurate biopsy specimen must be obtained. Commonly used biopsy techniques include: ① Shave biopsy: suitable for superficial, cystic, and solid basal cell carcinomas, especially skin lesions located on the neck and face; ② Punch biopsy: mostly used for pigmented, sclerosing, keratinizing basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas; ③ Excisional biopsy: suitable for biopsy of various types of skin lesions.

Pathological diagnosis

The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, while the most malignant is melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma most often occurs in hairy areas of the head and neck and rarely metastasizes. Squamous cell carcinoma often evolves from precancerous lesions, the most common of which is actinic keratosis. Squamous cell carcinoma can also occur in old burn scars, chronic inflammation, or radiation-induced skin inflammation. Cancers that originate in chronic inflammatory sites or initially occur are more invasive and can metastasize in 10% of cases.