Where does my skin sample go?

After our surgical team removes your lesion, it is placed in a specimen container which has a formaldehyde solution inside to preserve the tissue and characteristics of the specimen. It is then sent off to Perth laboratories with the specimen goes through a series of processing to determine a diagnosis at peter hsiao. The specimen is cut into thin sections and stained with special dyes, following this the pathologist views the slides under a microscope who reports on his/her findings. These findings are then reported back to your doctor, usually taking 2-3 days, who will then discuss with you the diagnosis and any further treatment methods.

What do my results mean?

Solar Keratosis

• Very Common
• Pre cancerous lesion
• Appears as reddened areas, scaling
• May develop into a non-malignant skin cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma insitu (Bowen’s Disease)

• Precursor to Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Chance of regrowing if not completely excised

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• 30% of non-melanona skin cancers
• Located in the upper layer of the epidermis
• Grows quickly
• Commonly appears in areas of high sun exposure.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Most common type of skin cancer (70%) but least dangerous.
• Commonly appears in areas of high sun exposure.
• Can present as a pearly, shiny, pale lump.
• Located in the lower layer of the epidermis

Dysplastic Naevus

• Unusual looking mole
• Can mimic Melanomas
• May progress to Melanoma
• May occur in families

Malignant Melanoma

• Can occur anywhere on the body
• Risk of spreading to lymph nodes
• Can appear as a new spot
• Can be an existing spot that has changed in size, shape and colour.
• Most dangerous of Skin Cancers.

Keratoacanthoma

• Rapidly growing lesion
• Can also self resolve
• Occurs in sun damaged areas
• Similar characteristics to a Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Ultimately there are three major types of Skin Cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Melanoma