Accurate diagnosis and staging are the cornerstones of successful skin cancer management. At Liv Hospital, our international patient program ensures that every step—from the first skin examination to the final staging report—is performed with the highest clinical standards and compassionate care. Each year, skin cancer accounts for more than 5 million new cases worldwide, and early, precise assessment dramatically improves treatment outcomes. This page guides you through the complete pathway used by our multidisciplinary team, explaining the tools, procedures, and decision‑making processes that lead to a personalized treatment plan.
Whether you are a patient traveling from abroad or a referring physician seeking detailed information, you will find clear explanations of the clinical evaluation, imaging options, biopsy techniques, and staging systems that our specialists employ. By understanding each component, you can feel confident in the quality of care delivered at our JCI‑accredited facility in Istanbul.
Our approach integrates cutting‑edge technology, experienced dermatologic surgeons, and a coordinated international support team, ensuring that the diagnosis and staging process is seamless, transparent, and tailored to your unique needs.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Skin cancer comprises several distinct histologic subtypes, each with its own biological behavior and staging criteria. The most common forms are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma. While BCC rarely metastasizes, SCC and melanoma can spread to lymph nodes and distant organs, making precise staging essential for treatment planning.
Key differences include:
Understanding these variations helps clinicians select appropriate diagnostic tools and anticipate the extent of disease. At Liv Hospital, pathology reports are standardized to include all relevant prognostic factors, ensuring that the subsequent staging process reflects the true biological aggressiveness of the tumor.
The first step in the diagnosis and staging pathway is a thorough clinical assessment performed by a board‑certified dermatologist or surgical oncologist. This evaluation includes a detailed medical history, risk factor analysis (e.g., sun exposure, family history), and a systematic skin examination.
During the physical exam, clinicians document:
High‑resolution dermoscopy is routinely used to enhance visualization of pigment patterns and vascular structures, increasing diagnostic accuracy before any invasive procedure. For patients traveling from abroad, Liv Hospital offers virtual pre‑consultations, allowing our specialists to review photographs and medical records ahead of the in‑person visit, thereby streamlining the evaluation process.
Following the clinical exam, the physician determines the most appropriate next steps—whether to proceed directly to imaging, schedule a biopsy, or refer to a multidisciplinary tumor board for complex cases.
Imaging plays a pivotal role in determining the extent of skin cancer, especially for high‑risk SCC and melanoma. At Liv Hospital, we employ a range of modalities tailored to the tumor’s characteristics and suspected spread.
Common imaging options include:
Our radiology department follows standardized imaging protocols, ensuring consistent image quality and reproducibility. Radiologists experienced in oncologic imaging interpret the studies, and findings are integrated into the staging report.
Definitive diagnosis requires tissue sampling. The choice of biopsy technique depends on lesion size, location, and suspected depth.
Biopsy options include:
All specimens are processed in our accredited pathology laboratory, where board‑certified dermatopathologists apply immunohistochemical stains and molecular testing when indicated. The pathology report includes:
These detailed findings are the foundation for accurate staging and guide the multidisciplinary team in selecting optimal therapeutic strategies.
Staging translates pathological and clinical data into a standardized language that predicts prognosis and informs treatment. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) provides the most widely used TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) classification for melanoma and non‑melanoma skin cancers.
Key components of the TNM system:
For melanoma, the 8th edition AJCC staging incorporates ulceration and mitotic rate, while SCC staging emphasizes tumor diameter, depth, and high‑risk histologic features. Liv Hospital’s tumor board uses these criteria to assign a stage (I‑IV), which is then communicated to the patient in clear, understandable language.
After completing the diagnosis and staging work‑up, the case is presented at Liv Hospital’s multidisciplinary tumor board. This forum includes dermatologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and dedicated patient‑coordination specialists.
The board reviews:
Based on this comprehensive review, a personalized treatment plan is formulated. Options may include surgical excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, adjuvant immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiotherapy. For international patients, Liv Hospital coordinates all aspects of care—including visa assistance, airport transfers, interpreter services, and comfortable accommodation—ensuring a stress‑free experience from diagnosis through follow‑up.
Continuous monitoring is integral to the pathway. Post‑treatment surveillance protocols are tailored to the stage and risk profile, employing regular skin checks, imaging, and laboratory tests as indicated.
Liv Hospital combines JCI accreditation, state‑of‑the‑art technology, and a dedicated international patient services team to deliver world‑class skin cancer care. Our specialists have extensive experience in both surgical and non‑surgical management of all skin cancer subtypes, and our coordinated approach ensures that every diagnostic and staging step is performed efficiently and compassionately. Patients benefit from personalized treatment plans, transparent communication, and seamless logistical support throughout their journey.
Ready to take the next step in your skin cancer care? Contact Liv Hospital today to schedule a virtual consultation and discover how our expert team can guide you through precise diagnosis, accurate staging, and tailored treatment—all with the support you need as an international patient.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Diagnosis involves clinical examination, dermoscopy, and tissue sampling (biopsy) to confirm the histologic subtype of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Staging, on the other hand, uses the diagnostic information together with imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, PET‑CT, MRI) and pathological findings to assign a TNM category according to the AJCC system. This stage predicts prognosis and guides treatment decisions, ranging from simple excision for early lesions to systemic therapy for advanced disease.
Liv Hospital tailors imaging to the tumor type and suspected spread. High‑frequency ultrasound measures tumor depth for non‑melanoma cancers, while sentinel lymph node ultrasound detects early nodal involvement in melanoma. PET‑CT provides whole‑body assessment for distant metastases, and MRI offers high‑contrast resolution for soft‑tissue invasion, especially in the head and neck region. All studies follow standardized protocols to ensure reproducibility and are interpreted by oncologic radiologists.
For small, raised lesions a punch biopsy provides a full‑thickness sample. Suspected melanomas are best evaluated with an excisional biopsy that removes the entire lesion with appropriate margins, allowing accurate Breslow thickness measurement. Large tumors where complete removal is impractical are sampled with an incisional biopsy. When lymph nodes are suspicious, fine‑needle aspiration (FNA) obtains cytologic material. All specimens are processed in an accredited pathology lab with immunohistochemistry and molecular testing as needed.
Liv Hospital follows the AJCC TNM system, which categorizes tumors by size/depth (T), nodal involvement (N), and distant metastasis (M). For melanoma, the 8th edition incorporates ulceration, Breslow thickness, and mitotic rate. For basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, staging emphasizes tumor diameter, depth, perineural invasion, and ulceration. The multidisciplinary tumor board uses these criteria to assign a stage (I‑IV) that informs prognosis and treatment planning.
After diagnosis and staging, the case is presented to a tumor board that includes dermatologists, surgical and medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and patient‑coordination specialists. The team evaluates the stage‑specific guidelines, the patient’s overall health, travel logistics, and personal preferences. Based on this comprehensive review, they may recommend surgical excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, adjuvant immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiotherapy. For international patients, the board also coordinates visa assistance, interpreter services, and accommodation to ensure a seamless experience.
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
