Your doctor or dermatologist will need lots of information to make an accurate diagnosis of any suspicious lesions. If you can go into your appointment prepared with this information, you will help your doctor to make an informed diagnosis more quickly. Wherever possible, it is worth taking in any supporting materials you have, for example photographs of the lesion showing any changes to it over time.
Think about your answers to the questions below:
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When did the lesion appear?
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Has it appeared spontaneously or was there an existing mole on the site?
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Do you have any other suspicious lesions?
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Do you have a family history of skin cancer and, if so, what types?
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Have you had a lot of sun exposure in the past? Either exposure in childhood that resulted in blistering sunburns, or chronic exposure as an adult during leisure pursuits or at work?
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Does it hurt or is it itchy? Has it bled or oozed?
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What made you think it was suspicious?
