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There are two main types of non-melanoma skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – treatment generally depends on the type, size, and location of the BCC, among other factors at the time of diagnosis.3
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – treatment is usually based on the size and location of the SCC. The approach and outcomes may vary if other parts of the body are or have been affected.4
BCCs usually begin in the lower layer of the epidermis, while SCCs typically start in the upper layer.2 Whether a skin cancer is classified as a BCC or SCC depends on the type of skin cells involved and their appearance. Treatment options can vary accordingly.2
The signs and symptoms of skin cancer can vary from person to person.
Basal cell carcinomas (BCC)
Some of the signs and symptoms commonly seen in people diagnosed with BCC include:2,3
- A slight change in the skin, such as a small bump or flat red patch
- A pearly spot or lump
- A scaly, dry area that is shiny and pale or bright pink in colour (some BCCs may appear darker)
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- A sore that bleeds
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC)
Some signs and symptoms that may be experienced by people with SCC include:4
- A thickened, red, scaly spot that doesn’t heal
- A crusted sore
- A small ulcer or thickened, scaly skin on the lips
- A persistent sore patch
- A firm, red lump
- A sore or rough patch inside the mouth
Basal cell carcinomas (BCC)
BCCs often develop due to overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.2 Risk factors for BCC may include:3
- A fair complexion (e.g. skin that burns easily, freckles, light eye colour, light or red hair)
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- Use of UV light from sun lamps
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC)
SCCs are also typically caused by overexposure to UV radiation.2 Risk factors for SCC may include:3
- A fair complexion (e.g. skin that burns easily, freckles, light eye colour, light or red hair)
- A history of skin cancer
- Immunosuppression (a weakened immune system)
- Use of sunbeds or solariums
- Presence of multiple solar keratoses
- Certain rare genetic disorders
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How is non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed?
If you have noticed any changes to your skin3,4 and are concerned you may have non-melanoma skin cancer, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor (GP) or a skin specialist for advice. There are several tests that doctors may perform to confirm a diagnosis, which may include:
- Physical examination - a thorough inspection of the skin to check for suspicious areas.
- Biopsy - if further investigation is needed, your doctor may take a small sample of skin (biopsy) for testing.3,4
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Treatment options
Non-melanoma skin cancer can be treated in several ways. The choice of treatment is determined by specialist clinicians — such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or radiation oncologist. They will consider factors including your age, medical history, and specific characteristics or risk factors related to the cancer.5,6
Read below to learn more about some of the treatment options for non-melanoma skin cancer.
Radiation therapy uses measured doses of radiation directed at specific areas of the skin to stop the growth of cancer cells or destroy them completely. For early-stage disease, results are comparable to surgery.5
Find out more about Radiation Therapy, including how it works and who it’s for.
Surgery is a common treatment that involves removing the cancerous area. In some cases, surrounding tissue may also be removed.
Mohs surgery is one of the most effective options (in terms of clearance) for treating BCCs and SCCs.6-10 It involves the step-by-step removal and microscopic examination of thin layers of skin to ensure all cancer cells are removed. This procedure is generally reserved for higher-risk skin cancers. Although it can be time-consuming and more expensive, it may reduce the risk of recurrence or spread, potentially avoiding the need for further treatment.
Simple excision is a common surgical method for removing skin cancer.11 It often involves removing a larger area of skin than Mohs surgery. While the procedure is quicker, it may result in a larger scar. The removed tissue is sent for examination by a histopathologist. If residual cancer cells are found, further treatment may be necessary.
This procedure involves scraping away cancerous cells, followed by using an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells.12-14
Cryotherapy destroys cancer cells by freezing them with extremely cold temperatures.15
Topical creams or gels containing chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents are applied directly to the skin. These treatments work either by directly killing cancer cells or by stimulating the immune system to destroy them.16-18
For patients with advanced disease that has spread beyond the skin, systemic therapies may be used to target cancer cells throughout the body or to help prevent further spread.19,20
If treatment is required, your doctor or healthcare team will help determine the most suitable option. This will depend on several factors, such as the location and size of the cancer, your overall health, and any potential side effects.2
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Support services
Cancer Council Australia
Australia’s leading cancer charity, working to reduce the impact of cancer through prevention, support, and research.
Targeting Cancer
Targeting Cancer aims to raise awareness about radiation therapy as a treatment option for cancer.
Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA)
Melanoma Institute Australia is dedicated to preventing and curing melanoma through innovative, world-class research, treatment and education programs.
- Cancer Council Australia. (2024, July 3). Skin cancer. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer
- Cancer Council Australia. (2024, July 3). Non-melanoma skin cancer. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/non-melanoma-skin-cancer
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2025). NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN Guidelines®): Basal cell skin cancer. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.nccn.org
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2025). NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN Guidelines®): Squamous cell skin cancer. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.nccn.org
- Marcu, L. G. (2015, December). The first Rs of radiotherapy: Or standing on the shoulders of giants. Australasian Physical & Engineering Sciences in Medicine, 38(4), 531–541. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-015-0378-6
- Rong, Y., Zuo, L., Shang, L., & Bazan, J. G. (2015). Radiotherapy treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer. Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, 15(7), 765–776. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737140.2015.1044982
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