Questions to ask: Basal and squamous cell skin cancer

Diagnosis

• Is my cancer basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma?
• Is my cancer low risk or high risk, and why?
• Did the biopsy show the cancer growing along a nerve or deep in the skin?
• Do I need any scans, or a check of my lymph nodes?
• What is the stage, if one applies to my cancer?
• Are there other spots on my skin that need a biopsy?
• Does my weak immune system or transplant change my treatment?
• Should I see a dermatologist or a Mohs surgeon?
• If my cancer is advanced, should I see a medical oncologist?
• Is there a clinical trial I should think about?

Before

• Which treatment do you recommend for me, and what is the cure rate?
• Am I a candidate for Mohs surgery?
• Will the treatment leave a scar, and how will the wound be closed?
• How long will the procedure take, and can I drive home after?
• Should I stop any blood thinners or supplements before surgery?
• How do I care for the wound, and when can I shower or exercise?
• Would a cream, light treatment, or radiation be an option instead of surgery?
• Will I need radiation after surgery?
• If I need a pill or immunotherapy, how is it given and how long will I take it?
• What side effects should I watch for, and when should I call?
• Will my insurance cover this treatment?

During

• Is this amount of redness or soreness normal?
• When will I get the lab results on my margins?
• If the margins are not clear, what happens next?
• Can I keep taking my other medicines during treatment?
• What can I do about muscle cramps or taste changes from my pills?
• Can I take a break from my hedgehog inhibitor if side effects get bad?
• How will you know if the immunotherapy is working?
• If I have a transplant, how will you watch for rejection?
• Who do I call after hours, and when should I go to the emergency room?

After

• How often should I come back for skin checks?
• What should I look for when I check my own skin?
• What is my chance of getting another skin cancer?
• Should I take nicotinamide to lower my risk?
• Should I treat sun-damaged areas with a cream to prevent new cancers?
• Which sunscreen and clothing do you recommend?
• If I had a transplant, should my anti-rejection medicines be changed?
• Should my family members have skin checks too?
• How do I care for my scar as it heals?
• If the cancer comes back, what are my options?

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.