What is nonmelanoma skin cancer?

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the skin.

The two main types of nonmelanoma skin cancer are:

• Basal cell skin cancer. Most nonmelanoma cancers are this type. Basal cell skin cancer can damage the skin and deeper tissues where the cancer started growing. It almost never spreads to other parts of the body.
• Squamous cell skin cancer. This type is less common. Sometimes it develops from a small rough spot that grows in sun-damaged skin. It can also appear on skin not exposed to the sun. Or it can appear in a scar or on skin with ongoing problems. It sometimes spreads to other parts of the body.

When found and treated early, most of these skin cancers can be cured.

Other types of nonmelanoma skin cancers are much less common. These include Merkel cell carcinoma and some sarcomas.

Skin cancer usually appears as a growth that changes in color, shape, or size. This can be a sore that doesn't heal or changes in a mole or skin growth. Basal cell skin cancer usually affects the face, head, and trunk. Squamous cell skin cancer usually affects the head, neck, trunk, arms, and legs.

Your doctor will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. This will include taking a close look at the skin growth. The doctor may take a sample (biopsy) of the growth to test in a lab. A biopsy can confirm whether the cells are cancer.

Your doctor will want to remove all of the cancer. The most common way is surgery to cut out the abnormal growth. Radiation may be done if surgery isn't an option. Other treatments include medicines that are put on the skin (topical therapy), chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. You will need regular checkups.

Protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. For example, stay out of the sun during midday hours, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. Get skin exams as advised by your doctor and check all of your own skin for changes. Avoid medicines that can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.