Diagnosing skin malignancy: Assessment of predictive clinical criteria and risk factors

If neither of these diagnostic tests yields a positive result, the lesion should be classified as typically benign or as having characteristics suggestive of a squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma.

Lesions that have characteristics of squamous cell or basal cell cancer should be biopsied, and benign lesions can be observed and the patient reassured.

FIGURE
Approach to the patient with a skin lesion

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Barbara Zuckerman and Michael Campese, PhD for their assistance in preparation of this manuscript. We also gratefully acknowledge Dr. Richard P. Usatine for preparing the accompanying Photo Rounds.