Skin cancer is broadly classed as melanoma or non-melanoma cancer. Here we talk about non-melanoma cancer and how to spot it. Melanoma is discussed in a separate article.
What is skin cancer?
Non melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and other rare types.
Skin cancer symptoms
Symptoms of skin cancer can include: a sore that doesn’t heal, an area of skin that looks unusual, red, itchy, bleeds or scabs for more than 4 weeks.
Photos of skin cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma:
Squamous cell carcinoma:
Survival for skin cancer
The cure rates for non melanoma skin cancers are very high.
Treatment for skin cancer
Your treatment depends on where your skin cancer is, how big it is and your general health. Treatment options include surgery, cryotherapy and radiotherapy.
Stages and grades of skin cancer
The stage of cancer tells you its size and whether it has spread. The grade tells you how much the cancer cells look like normal cells.
Risks and causes of skin cancer
Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun or sunbeds. There are some other factors that can increase your risk, such as skin type, medications and genetic disorders.
Diagnosis of skin cancer
See your doctor if you are worried about or have symptoms of skin cancer. They will examine you and arrange for a biopsy if needed.