What to ask your doctor about diagnosing skin cancer

Some questions you might ask your doctor

I have a funny red patch of skin and am worried it may be cancer. Can you remove it, or will I have to go to hospital?
Do you often do this type of minor surgery?
Will you take away a safety margin of healthy tissue around the abnormal skin?
Should I be referred to a dermatologist?
What is the waiting list to see a dermatologist at my local hospital?
Will I need stitches?
What will happen if I don’t have the abnormal area removed?
How long will the results take?
Who will give me the results?
Am I likely to need any more treatment?
Will I need to have any tests?
Will I have to come for follow up appointments?
Am I likely to get another skin cancer, now I have had one?
What should I look for?
Are any of my family at increased risk of skin cancer?