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.

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

• 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.

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.