• How should I check myself for skin cancer?
  
   
• I have a close relative with squamous cell carcinoma. Does that increase my risk?
  
   
• I have a patch of skin I am worried about. How can I tell if it is skin cancer? Can you remove it, or will I have to go to hospital?
  
   
• Should I be referred to a dermatologist? How long will I have to wait?
  
   
• Do you often do this type of minor surgery?
  
   
• What type of biopsy will you take? Will it remove a healthy margin of skin tissue?
  
   
• Will I need stitches? Will there be a scar?
  
   
• When and how will I get the biopsy results?
   

You might like to ask your dermatologist/ surgeon/ consultant/ nurse specialist:

• How advanced is my squamous cell carcinoma, and has it spread to other parts of my body?
  
   
• How deep is the tumour?
  
   
• What are my treatment options, and what are the risks and benefits of each?
  
   
• What is the chance of a cure?
  
   
• Which treatment do you recommend, and why?
  
   
• If I don’t have treatment, what will happen?
  
   
• Are there any clinical trials that I might be able to enter?
  
   
• Where will I go for my treatment?
  
   
• How long will I have to wait for my treatment to start?
  
   
• Will I have to stay in hospital? For how long?
  
   
• When will you be able to tell me how successful my treatment has been?
  
   
• How long will it take me to feel better after treatment?
  
   
• What will life be like for me after treatment?
  
   
• What can I do to help myself, during and after treatment?
  
   
• What follow-up checks will I need?
  
   
• What are the chances of getting another skin cancer? What should I look for?
  
   
• Are any members of my family at increased risk of skin cancer?
  
   
• Who can I talk with if I have any questions or need help? Is there a clinical nurse specialist available?