Patient information from BMJ

Squamous cell skin cancer: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Apr 27, 2023

If you're worried about a crusted lump or a flaky spot or patch on your skin, you should see your doctor. Here are some questions you might want to ask.

If you are concerned you have skin cancer

Do I have cancer or is the spot or patch on my skin harmless?
How can you tell what it is?
Will I need surgery to check whether it's cancer, and will I need to have all of it removed?
Will I need any other tests?
If so, what kinds of tests will I need?

If you have squamous cell skin cancer

What stage is my cancer?
Which treatment is best for me?
Will the treatment leave a scar? Will it have other side effects?
Are people in my family at higher risk of getting this type of cancer?
Will my cancer come back?
What can I do to protect myself from skin cancer?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

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