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.¹ BCC’s usually start in the lower layer of the epidermis whilst SCC’s usually start in the upper layer.² Whether a skin cancer is a BCC or SCC, depends on the type of skin cells affected and their appearance and their treatment can vary:²

• BCC –treatment approaches usually consider the type, size and location of the BCC amongst other things at the time of diagnosis.³
• SCC – treatment is usually determined by the size and location of the SCC. Treatment approaches/ results may vary if other body parts are are/have been affected.⁴

Non-melanoma skin cancers can affect parts of your body exposed to the sun.² This generally includes body parts such as the face, neck, a bald scalp, arms, back of hands and lower legs.²

The signs and symptoms of skin cancer may differ between people and some of the signs or symptoms that can occur in people who have been diagnosed with  BCC include:^2,3

• BCCs can often begin with a slight change in the skin, such as a small bump or a flat red patch.
• A pearly spot or lump
• A scaly, dry area that is shiny and pale or bright pink in colour (although some BCCs can be darker)
• A sore that doesn’t heal
• A sore that bleeds

Some of the signs or symptoms that can be experienced by people who have been diagnosed with SCC include:⁴

• thickened, red, scaly spot that doesn’t heal
• A crusted sore
• Small ulcer or thickened scaly skin on the lips
• A patch of skin that's sore 
• A firm, red lump
• A sore or rough patch inside your mouth

If you have noticed any changes to your skin,^3,4 and think that you may have a non-melanoma skin cancer, it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor (GP) or skin specialist for advice and/or a skin examination.

In most cases, your doctor or skin specialist may be able to offer you a diagnosis after a physical examination of your skin. They may also do a biopsy (small sample of skin) if further investigation is needed.^3,4 If you do require treatment, your doctor or skin specialist and healthcare team will work with you to determine which treatment is most suitable. This may depend on several factors including the part of your body that is affected, the size of the cancer and potential side effects.²