Non-Melanoma skin cancer

This is by far the most common type of skin cancer accounting for 90% of all skin cancers and affecting over 60,000 people in the UK every year but, fortunately, it is easily treated. These cancers occur most commonly in older people and usually affect areas of the skin which have been frequently exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck and hands.

There are 2 main types of non-melanoma skin cancer;

- Basel cell carcinoma

...is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer and it usually occurs as a reddish lump which sometimes ulcerates.

- Squamous cell carcinoma

...is the other form of non-melanoma skin cancer. It is considered more serious than basel cell carcinoma as it can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. It usually appears as a red scaly lump or sore and has a tendency to bleed easily.

Signs and symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer are;

- a new growth or sore that does not heal within four weeks
- a spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed
- persistent skin ulcers that are not explained by other causes