What is a definitive diagnostic procedure for skin cancer?

The definitive diagnostic procedure for skin cancer is a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin tissue to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This process allows for the identification of cancerous cells and helps determine the type of skin cancer present, as well as its severity or stage. It is the gold standard for diagnosing skin cancer because it provides direct evidence of malignancy.

Blood tests, CT scans, and X-rays do not provide definitive diagnoses for skin cancer. Blood tests may help to assess overall health or detect certain markers associated with cancer but do not provide direct information about skin lesions. CT scans are imaging tools that can help in staging or assessing the extent of cancer once it has been diagnosed, but they do not confirm the presence of skin cancer. Similarly, X-rays are useful for viewing the bones and certain soft tissues, but they lack the specificity and confirmation necessary for diagnosing skin cancer directly. Thus, the biopsy is the only method that conclusively identifies the presence of cancer cells within the skin.