How Is Skin Cancer Usually Detected?
Self-inspection of moles or suspicious areas often results in early detection. Typically, a patient will notice a mole that looks "different" and will bring it to the attention of their dermatologist or primary care doctor, who will then perform a skin inspection. These physicians are required to carefully inspect the skin to determine if the mole is suspicious and needs further testing. A biopsy can then determine if the mole is cancerous. Medical malpractice cases in this area often involve a doctor failing to order a biopsy of a suspicious mole. When this happens, a patient may not receive treatment early enough to stop the spread of their skin cancer. If discovered early, a precancerous mole can be removed before it metastasizes and spreads through the lymph system to other tissues in your body. Malignant melanoma is among the most aggressive and life-threatening forms of skin cancer. Early diagnosis can truly make the difference between life and death. A mole or lesion that is not properly biopsied can metastasize and grow to a size that is significantly more dangerous.