How To Know if Your Pre-Cancer is Now a Cancer

Because the precancerous growths are so common, dermatologists treat most with liquid nitrogen and reserve a biopsy only for lesions that are most suspicious for skin cancer rather than precancer.  Be sure to bring any specific growth that bleeds or does not heal to the attention of your dermatologist as this may change the treatment. 

If you are treated with the creams at home (imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil), then return to the dermatologist several weeks after treatment, since remaining lesions may be cancerous and that is why they did not go away with the cream.  Be vigilant for growths and discuss any growth that concerns you with your dermatologist.