- Patients
- Exploring cancer care
- Conditions we treat
- Skin cancer
- Non-melanoma skin cancer
What is non-melanoma skin cancer
Chapter 1
What is non-melanoma skin cancer
Non-melanoma skin cancers, which you may also hear being called 'keratinocyte cancers' are regarded as being the most common cancer types in Australia. Skin cancer occurs when skin cells change into abnormal cells and grow at an uncontrolled rate. Non-melanoma skin cancers start in the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis and can often be related to sun exposure. There are two main types of non-melanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, depending on the type of skin cells affected. There are two types:
- Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) – common and generally easiest to treat. Treatment will usually depend on the type, size and location of the BCC, and on age and health at that time.
- Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) – treatment is usually determined by the size and location of the SCC. Treatment may be less successful if other body parts are are/have been affected.
Non-melanoma skin cancers usually affect parts of your body exposed to the sun. This generally includes body parts such as the face, neck, a bald scalp, arms, back of hands and lower legs.
Causes of non-melanoma skin cancers
Basal cell carcinomas are caused mainly by exposure to the sun. They are more common in people with fair skin. Other risk factors include:
- A history of skin cancer
- A family history of skin cancer
- Some rare inherited disorders
- UV light from a sun lamp
Squamous cell carcinomas are caused by sun exposure, but risk factors also include:
- A family history of skin cancer
- A history of skin cancer
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Immunosuppressant medicines
- Injuries, particularly with elderly people
- Smoking
- Some rare inherited disorders
- UV light from a sun lamp

Symptoms
Chapter 2
Symptoms
- A pink or red lump that doesn’t heal
- A scaly area of skin that doesn’t heal
- Smooth lump with a pearly appearance
- A red or dark coloured spot or sore that doesn’t heal within a month
- A red or dark coloured spot or sore that is painful, bleeds or itches
- Broken skin that doesn’t improve within a month
- Red patches on your skin
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer but it’s best to ask your doctor for advice. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chances of treating it successfully.
Tests and diagnosis
In most cases, your doctor will be able to give a diagnosis after a physical examination of your skin. They may use a hand-held microscope (or dermatoscope). Sometimes, a biopsy (small sample of skin) may also be taken for analysis.

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Treatment
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy may be offered in the early stages of cancer treatment, or after it has started to spread. There are different radiation therapy techniques which may be suitable for different cancer types at different stages.

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Our centres
Across Australia, the UK, the USA, and Spain we have over 440 oncology, cardiology & sleep medicine centres.

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Our doctors
GenesisCare attracts and retains some of the most experienced doctors in the country.