11. HOW IS MELANOMA DIAGNOSED?

Melanoma is diagnosed via a histological examination of the tumour following excision biopsy of a tumour.  This is the examination of a tumour under a microscope.  In the case of a suspected skin melanoma an excisional or incisional biopsy is usually undertaken. However, biopsy techniques that require the removal of less flesh are usually not appropriate as the doctor needs to examine the depth of the tumour for staging.  An excisional biopsy involves the removal of the whole tumour while an incisional biopsy requires only a sample to be taken.  It should be noted however, that different techniques for biopsies may be employed in the event of suspect melanoma in organs or lymph nodes.