Early detection is key to the successful treatment of skin cancers. We recommend that you pay attention to your skin and do regular self-skin exams from head to toe. It is a good idea to have your physician or dermatologist complete a total body skin exam at least once per year.
If a spot, lesion or mole is concerning to you or your physician, arrange to have it checked out by a dermatologist. A skin biopsy may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer, including the type or stage of skin cancer, and to determine a recommended treatment plan. Often, precancerous lesions may be effectively treated in the doctor’s office, while biopsy-confirmed skin cancers may require surgical removal and specialized treatment, including Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk non-melanoma skin cancers.
Skin Biopsy and Pathology
To provide the most accurate diagnosis, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy. This is a quick and relatively painless procedure that removes a small sample of your skin for microscopic examination and additional testing.
Skin biopsies are frequently needed to determine if a mole or skin lesion is cancerous, precancerous, or benign. Your skin biopsy is sent to our team of dermatopathologists, who are board-certified specialists with highly-specialized knowledge and skill in the diagnosis of disorders affecting the hair, skin and nails.
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment for skin cancer detection or a skin biopsy, call 734-936-4054. Visit our Make a Dermatology Appointment page for phone numbers for other dermatology clinics, as well as information about Dermatology Virtual Care and scheduling appointments online through the MyUofMHealth patient portal.