Question: How Is Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Diagnosed?
Answer: A skin biopsy is the removal of skin tissue for examination under a microscope for the purposes of diagnosing skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma. The exact type of biopsy depends on how deep the lesion has penetrated the skin:
- Shave biopsy uses a thin surgical blade to shave off the top layers of skin. This is the most common method for diagnosing squamous cell skin cancer.
- Punch biopsy uses a round, cookie cutter-like tool. It is used to take a deeper skin sample.
Skin biopsies are done using a local anesthetic (numbing medicine), which is injected into the area with a small needle. You will likely feel a small pinch and a little stinging as the medicine is injected, but you should not feel any pain during the biopsy. Any biopsy is likely to leave a scar. Since different methods produce different types of scars, you should ask your dermatologist about biopsies and scarring before the procedure is done.
Source:
"Squamous Cell Carcinoma." The Skin Cancer Foundation. 13 April 2009.
