There are different types of non-melanoma skin cancers, which are named after the cells they start in.
The most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which starts in the cells lining the base of the epidermis. BCC accounts for around 75 in every 100 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer, accounting for around 20 in every 100 cases.
Although not classified as non-melanoma skin cancer, Bowen’s disease and actinic keratoses are types of skin disease that may turn into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
Anyone can develop non-melanoma skin cancer, but you are at a greater risk if:
- you have fair skin
- you have a lot of moles
- you have a family history of skin cancer
- you have a weakened immune system
- you have had a lot of sun exposure over your life
- you have a genetic condition which predisposes you to developing these types of skin cancer
The first signs of non-melanoma skin cancer include a lesion which is failing to heal, a new lump, a persistent scaly patch, or discoloured skin. Melanomas usually develop on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, chest, and back but they can arise anywhere on the body.
Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a small lump that may be pink or pearly white in colour, with a waxy or translucent appearance. It may also present as a flat patch of red, scaly skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as a firm, pink lump with a crusted or scaly surface. It may feel tender, bleed easily, or develop into an ulcer.
There are several different types of melanomas, such as:
- Superficial spreading melanoma – the most common type of melanoma in the UK.
- Lentigo maligna melanoma – a type of melanoma commonly affecting older people.
- Acral lentiginous melanoma – a type of melanoma most commonly found in people with darker skin affecting the hands and feet.
- Nodular melanoma – the most aggressive type of melanoma, occurring in 10-15% of cases.
Anyone can develop melanoma skin cancer, but you may be more at risk if:
- you are elderly
- you have fair skin
- you have a history of sunburn
- you spend a lot of time in the sun
- you do not wear sun protection
- you have a lot of moles
- you have a family history of melanoma
- you have a weakened immune system
Melanoma could be present if you develop a new mole, or if you notice changes in a pre-existing mole. Generally, these moles are irregularly shaped and display more than one colour. They may sometimes also bleed and be itchy, but not always.
Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body, but don’t usually appear in areas protected from the sun – for example, the buttocks. Melanomas are most commonly found on the back in men, and on the legs in women.
It is important to keep an eye on any pre-existing moles and visit your GP if they begin to change in appearance or if you develop any new symptoms in your moles.
Private skin cancer specialists in London
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Dr James Wilson
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
Clinical oncology, Lung, Skin
Dr Raj Mallipeddi
Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon
Dermatology, Skin cancer
Dr James Shelley
Consultant Dermatologist
Dermatology, General, Skin cancer
Dr Ien Chan
Consultant Dermatologist
Dermatology, General, Skin cancer
