--- title: "Non-melanoma skin cancer: Symptoms & Treatment" description: "Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma — warning signs, diagnosis, NHS treatment, and sun protection to reduce risk." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/ robots: noindex --- # Non-melanoma skin cancer: Symptoms & Treatment Health A–Z Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma — warning signs, diagnosis, NHS treatment, and sun protection to reduce risk. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is non-melanoma skin cancer? Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — most common, grows slowly and rarely spreads — and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — can spread if neglected. Signs include a sore that does not heal within 4 weeks, a new lump, a scaly or crusted patch, or a pearly nodule with rolled edge. Strongly linked to UV exposure and fair skin. Treatment is usually minor surgery or topical creams — cure rates very high when caught early. See a GP for any changing skin lesion or non-healing sore on sun-exposed areas. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Non-melanoma skin cancer, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 7 sections ## Key facts about non-melanoma skin cancer - Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK — over 150,000 cases yearly — BCC about 4 times commoner than SCC. - BCC almost never spreads to other organs — but can erode locally if untreated (rodent ulcer). - SCC can metastasise — higher risk on lips, ears, immunosuppressed patients. - Sun exposure and sunbed use are main preventable causes — also previous radiotherapy field. - Most treated with simple excision or Mohs surgery — outpatient under local anaesthetic. ## Non-melanoma skin cancer — BCC and SCC **Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)** accounts for **most skin cancers in the UK** — **basal cell carcinoma (BCC)** and **squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)**. **Not melanoma** — see [melanoma](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/melanoma/) for **pigmented mole cancer** — **different biology and urgency**. **>150,000 NMSC/year** — **underreported** — **many treated in primary care dermatology**. ## Basal cell carcinoma **Commonest human cancer overall** **Features:** - Pearly nodule , rolled edge - Telangiectasia - Central ulcer — “rodent ulcer” - Bleeds, heals, bleeds again **Behaviour:** - Local invasion — nose, eyelid, ear — cosmetic and functional damage - Metastasis exceedingly rare ## Squamous cell carcinoma **Second commonest NMSC** **Features:** - Hyperkeratotic nodule or plaque - Tender , may ulcerate - Actinic keratosis precursor — rough sun spots **Behaviour:** - Can metastasise — ~5% high-risk tumours - Immunosuppressed — transplant patients — much higher risk ## Risk factors | Factor | Notes | | --- | --- | | UV exposure | Cumulative — outdoor work, holidays | | Fair skin (Fitzpatrick I–II) | Burns easily | | Sunbeds | No safe tan | | Previous NMSC | 30–50% second tumour within 5 years | | Immunosuppression | Transplant, lymphoma treatment | | Radiotherapy field | Years later | ## Diagnosis **Dermatoscopy** — **pattern recognition** **Biopsy mandatory** before destructive treatment if diagnosis uncertain **2-week wait** — **NICE suspected cancer pathway** ## Treatment **Low-risk BCC:** - Curettage + cautery - Cryotherapy - Topical imiquimod or 5-FU **Standard:** - Excision with 4–5 mm margins — histological clearance **High-risk facial BCC:** - Mohs surgery — microscopic margin control - Plastic repair **SCC:** - Excision — wider margins - Sentinel node if high risk features ## After treatment **Sun protection lifelong** **Self-skin exam monthly** — **partner check back** **Immunosuppressed** — **annual dermatology review** Any **non-healing sore on face or scalp over 4 weeks** — **GP** — **simple cure usually** — **delay allows local destruction**. ## ! When to see a GP about non-melanoma skin cancer See a GP for any skin sore not healing within 4 weeks, a new lump or scaly patch growing over weeks, a pearly or waxy nodule with visible blood vessels, or a tender scaly area on sun-exposed face, ears, scalp, or hands. 2-week wait referral for suspected skin cancer. Same-day if rapidly enlarging lesion, bleeding without trauma, or immunosuppressed with new skin growth. ## Common questions about non-melanoma skin cancer What does basal cell carcinoma look like? Pearly or waxy nodule with rolled edge and visible telangiectasia (small blood vessels), sometimes central ulceration (rodent ulcer). May bleed easily and scab repeatedly. Usually on face, ears, or scalp — sun-exposed sites. Slow growing over months to years. What does squamous cell carcinoma look like? Firm pink or red lump, or scaly crusted patch — may be tender. Can grow faster than BCC. Higher risk sites — lower lip, ear, scar, leg in elderly. Bowen disease is SCC in situ — red scaly patch — treat before invasive SCC. How is non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed? GP or dermatologist examination with dermatoscope. Skin biopsy — punch or excision — confirms histology. SCC and BCC distinguished microscopically. Imaging only if large, deep, or palpable nodes — rare for BCC. How is non-melanoma skin cancer treated? Surgical excision with clear margins — standard. Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk facial BCC — preserves tissue. Cryotherapy, curettage and cautery, photodynamic therapy, or imiquimod cream for superficial or low-risk lesions. Radiotherapy if surgery unsuitable. How can I prevent skin cancer? Sun protection — shade 11am–3pm, SPF 30+ broad spectrum, reapply every 2 hours, hat and sleeves. Avoid sunbeds. Check skin monthly — new or changing lesions. Extra vigilance if fair skin, many moles, immunosuppression, or previous skin cancer. ## Sources - [NHS — Skin cancer (non-melanoma)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/) - [NICE — Improving outcomes for people with skin tumours](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12) - [British Association of Dermatologists — BCC and SCC](https://www.bad.org.uk/)