Melanoma how is it diagnosed

Melanoma is more likely than other skin cancers to metastasize, or spread to distant bones or distant organs. Learn more about diagnosing skin cancer. Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research.

Call us anytime. This page was updated on October 27, Diagnosing melanoma. Some tests designed for a melanoma diagnosis include: Biopsy Your doctor may remove the suspicious growth, or a piece of it, for examination by a laboratory, where the pathologist will inspect the sample for cancerous cells. Imaging Melanoma is more likely than other skin cancers to metastasize, or spread to distant bones or distant organs. A small incision is then made in the marked area, and the lymph nodes are then checked to find which one s became radioactive and turned blue.

These sentinel nodes are removed and looked at under a microscope. If there are no melanoma cells in the sentinel nodes, no more lymph node surgery is needed because it is very unlikely the melanoma would have spread beyond this point. If melanoma cells are found in the sentinel node, the remaining lymph nodes in this area are typically removed and looked at as well. This is known as a lymph node dissection see Surgery for Melanoma Skin Cancer. The enlarged node is simply biopsied. Samples from any biopsies will be sent to a lab, where a doctor called a pathologist will look at them under a microscope for melanoma cells.

Often, skin samples are sent to a dermatopathologist , a doctor who has special training in looking at skin samples. These might include:.

If melanoma is found in the samples, the pathologist will look at certain important features such as the tumor thickness and mitotic rate the portion of cells that are actively dividing. These features help determine the stage of the melanoma see Melanoma Skin Cancer Stages , which in turn can affect treatment options and prognosis outlook.

For some people with melanoma, biopsy samples may be tested to see if the cells have mutations changes in certain genes, such as the BRAF gene. About half of melanomas have BRAF mutations. Some drugs used to treat advanced melanomas are only likely to work if the cells have BRAF mutations see Targeted Therapy for Melanoma Skin Cancer , so this test is important in helping to determine treatment options.

Tests for changes in other genes, such as C-KIT , might be done as well. A newer lab test known as DecisionDx-Melanoma looks at certain gene expression patterns in melanoma cells to help show if early-stage melanomas are likely to spread. This might be used to help determine treatment options. Imaging tests use x-rays, magnetic fields, or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of the body. They are used mainly to look for the possible spread of melanoma to lymph nodes or other organs.

These tests are not needed for most people with very early-stage melanoma, which is very unlikely to have spread. Imaging tests can also be done to help determine how well treatment is working or to look for possible signs of cancer coming back recurring after treatment.

This test might be done to help determine if melanoma has spread to the lungs, although a CT scan of the chest see below is often done instead. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body on a computer screen. Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy: Ultrasound can also be used to help guide a biopsy needle into a suspicious lymph node.

The CT scan uses x-rays to make detailed, cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike a regular x-ray, CT scans can show the detail in soft tissues such as internal organs. This test can show if any lymph nodes are enlarged or if organs such as the lungs or liver have suspicious spots, which might be from the spread of melanoma. CT-guided needle biopsy: CT scans can also be used to help guide a biopsy needle into a suspicious area within the body.

MRI scans use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays to create detailed images of parts of your body. MRI scans can be very helpful in looking at the brain and spinal cord. A PET scan can help show if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

It is most useful in people with more advanced stages of melanoma. For this test, you are injected with a slightly radioactive form of sugar, which collects mainly in cancer cells. A special camera is then used to create a picture of areas of radioactivity in the body.

This lets the doctor compare areas of higher radioactivity on the PET scan with the more detailed appearance of that area on the CT scan.

But when you're first diagnosed with cancer, sometimes it's difficult to know what to do next. Find someone to talk with. Find a good listener who is willing to listen to you talk about your hopes and fears. This may be a friend or family member. The concern and understanding of a counselor, medical social worker, clergy member or cancer support group also may be helpful. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area. Start by seeing your family doctor if you notice any skin changes that concern you.

Depending on your situation and the outcome of any tests, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin diseases dermatologist or to a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment oncologist. Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot to discuss, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready and know what to expect from your doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important, in case time runs out.

For melanoma, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:. In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

Melanoma care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Excisional biopsy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Excisional biopsy During an excisional biopsy, the doctor removes an entire lump or an entire area of abnormal skin, including a portion of normal skin.

Punch biopsy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Punch biopsy During a punch biopsy, a doctor uses a special circular blade to remove deeper layers of skin for testing. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Mayo Clinic; Cutaneous melanoma. National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Accessed Jan. Niederhuber JE, et al. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Elsevier; Common moles, dysplastic nevi and risk of melanoma.