How are NMSCs diagnosed?

A cutaneous malignancy should always be considered in any patient who reports a new lesion on the skin, particularly in sun-exposed skin. Currently, the diagnosis is established by shave, punch, incisional, or excisional biopsy, with the choice of biopsy technique depending on the size and location of the suspected malignancy. Current research is focused on developing non-invasive methods of diagnosing NMSC by using techniques such as specialized types of ultrasonography and microscopy. However, these methods are currently in development and have not replaced skin biopsy with histologic examination as the gold standard for diagnosis.

Mogensen M, Jemec G: Diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer/keratinocyte carcinoma: a review of the diagnostic accuracy of nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnostic tests and technologies, Dermatol Surg 33:1158–1174, 2007.