The first step towards a skin cancer diagnosis is visual examination of the skin by a medical professional. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy of the area is taken and evaluated under a microscope to determine if the cells are cancerous. This testing will also establish what type of cancer is present.[1]
In the case of melanoma, further clinical examination of the cancer site is likely to be performed to look for signs of spreading throughout the body, known as metastasis. If such signs are found, tests will be performed to determine if and where the cancer has spread.[2]