Skin cancer (non-melanoma)

Skin cancer (non-melanoma)

• About non-melanoma skin cancer
• Symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer
• Causes of non-melanoma skin cancer
• Diagnosing non-melanoma skin cancer
• Treating non-melanoma skin cancer

About non-melanoma skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to a group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin.

The term ‘non-melanoma’ distinguishes these more common kinds of skin cancer from the less common skin cancer known as melanoma, which spreads faster in the body.

The first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer is usually the appearance of a lump or patch on the skin that doesn’t heal after a few weeks.

In most cases, cancerous lumps are red and firm, while cancerous patches are often flat and scaly.

Speak to your GP if you have any skin abnormality that hasn’t healed after 4 weeks. Although it is unlikely to be skin cancer, it is best to be sure.

Read more about the symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer

Types of non-melanoma skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancers usually develop in the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and are often named after the type of skin cell from which they develop.

The 2 most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are:

• basal cell carcinoma – starts in the cells lining the bottom of the epidermis and accounts for about 75% of skin cancers
• squamous cell carcinoma – starts in the cells lining the top of the epidermis and accounts for about 20% of skin cancers

Although not classed as non-melanoma skin cancers, actinic keratoses and Bowen’s disease may sometimes develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.

Why does it happen?

Non-melanoma skin cancer is mainly caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light comes from the sun, as well as artificial sunbeds and sunlamps.

In addition to UV light overexposure, there are certain things that can increase your chances of developing non-melanoma skin cancer, such as:

• a family history of the condition
• pale skin that burns easily
• a large number of moles or freckles

Read more about the causes of non-melanoma skin cancer

Who is affected?

Non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. It affects slightly more men than women.

Diagnosis

Your GP can examine your skin for signs of skin cancer. They may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) or a specialist plastic surgeon if they are unsure or suspect skin cancer.

Your GP may refer you urgently, within 2 weeks, for squamous cell skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancers usually don’t need an urgent referral but you should still see a specialist within 18 weeks.

The specialist will examine your skin again and will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of skin cancer.

A biopsy is an operation that removes some affected skin so it can be studied under a microscope.

Read more about diagnosing non-melanoma skin cancer

Treating non-melanoma skin cancer

Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. This involves removing the cancerous tumour and some of the surrounding skin.

Other treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer include cryotherapy, creams, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a treatment known as photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer is generally successful as, unlike most other types of cancer, there is a considerably lower risk that the cancer will spread to other parts of the body.

It is estimated that basal cell carcinoma will spread to other parts of the body in less than 0.5% of cases. The risk is slightly higher in cases of squamous cell carcinoma, which spreads to other parts of the body in around 2 to 5% of cases.

Treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer is completely successful in approximately 90% of cases.

Read more about treating non-melanoma skin cancer

Complications

If you have had non-melanoma skin cancer in the past, there is a chance the condition may return. The chance of non-melanoma skin cancer returning is increased if your previous cancer was widespread and severe.

If your cancer team feels there is a significant risk of your non-melanoma skin cancer returning, you will probably require regular check-ups to monitor your health. You will also be shown how to examine your skin to check for tumours.

Prevention

Non-melanoma skin cancer is not always preventable, but you can reduce your chances of developing the condition by avoiding overexposure to UV light.

You can help protect yourself from sunburn by using sunscreen, dressing sensibly in the sun and limiting the time you spend in the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Sunbeds and sunlamps should also be avoided.

Regularly checking your skin for signs of skin cancer can help lead to an early diagnosis and increase your chances of successful treatment.