Detection of a skin cancer is by a patient identifying a suspicious lesion or a Doctor noticing an incidental lesion or by a full skin check.

In a full skin check the best way of screening is with a magnifying lamp. This makes features of border irregularity, lack of symmetry, abnormal surface texture and pigment variation stand out.

More information on an unusual lesion is obtained by dermascopy, which views the inside of the lesion. This can identify suspicious features of the arrangement of the pigment and blood vessels.