Non-melanoma skin cancer

Your family doctor (GP) will examine your skin carefully. If they believe the skin change may be cancer, it will be removed during a biopsy. Your GP may do the procedure if they have special training in minor surgery. Or they may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist). 

Biopsy

Biopsy is a kind of surgery. A sample of cells is taken and examined under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present. Some skin around the affected area may be removed as well. This may be done to make sure no cancer cells are left behind. 

A biopsy can confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer, but it is also often all the treatment you will need, as the skin cancer is removed when the biopsy sample is taken. 

If you are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, we're here for you. 
Our cancer nurses are here if you need information or just want to talk. They can help you to understand your diagnosis and what to expect, send you information and tell you about our services. 

You may need further tests to give your doctors more information about your general health and about the cancer. 

Staging means finding out if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Most non-melanoma skin cancers will not need to be staged. It's rare for basal cell cancers (BCC) to spread. Squamous cell skin cancers (SCC) can spread, but this is also fairly rare.

Occasionally, with squamous cell cancer, the doctor may want to do further tests to help stage your cancer. Tests you may have include:

• Ultrasound scan
• MRI scan
• CT scan
• PET scan

Some tests may also be used see how you are responding to treatment. 

While some results may come back quickly, others may take a few weeks. 

Waiting for results can be an anxious time. It may help to talk things over with your doctor or nurse or with a relative or close friend. 

You can also call our Support Line on 1800 200 700 or visit a Daffodil Centre to speak to a cancer nurse.

Staging means finding out how big the cancer is and if it has spread to other parts of your body. Staging will help your doctor to plan the best treatment for you.

Number staging

Your doctor often uses this information to give your cancer a number stage – from 1 to 4. A higher number means a more advanced cancer.