What is typically the initial step in assessing skin lesions for potential malignancy?

The initial step in assessing skin lesions for potential malignancy is visual inspection. This process involves examining the lesion's characteristics, such as its size, shape, color, borders, and any changes that have occurred over time. Visual inspection allows healthcare providers to identify key features that may raise concerns for malignancy, such as irregular edges or asymmetry, which can suggest the need for further evaluation.

Following the visual assessment, a healthcare provider may decide to perform a biopsy of the lesion if there are concerning findings that warrant more definitive investigation. However, the visual inspection serves as a critical first step to guide the subsequent management and referral decisions. By thoroughly assessing the lesion visually, clinicians can determine whether further testing or a referral to a specialist is necessary based on their findings.

While reviewing patient history is also important, it typically complements the visual inspection rather than serving as the first step. Discovery of any relevant personal or family history of skin cancer can provide additional context but does not replace the need for an initial visual examination of the lesion itself.