Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer in the UK. It starts in the basal layer of the epidermis. BCCs sometimes used to be called rodent ulcers.
Most BCCs are very slow-growing, low-risk skin cancers. They almost never spread to other parts of the body. Nearly everyone who has treatment for a BCC is completely cured.
A few BCCs may come back in the same area of skin after treatment. This is known as a local recurrence.
Occasionally, BCCs grow more quickly. If left to grow, they may spread into the deeper layers of the skin or areas under the skin. Very rarely, BCC can spread to the bones.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is sometimes called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. It is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK. It develops from the squamous cell layers of the skin.
Most people treated for SCC of the skin are completely cured. But if SCC is left untreated for a long time, it may spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes. Sometimes SCC can grow and spread quickly. But this is not common.
Rarer types of non-melanoma skin cancer
There are some other types of cancer that can affect the skin:
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- Kaposi’s sarcoma
- cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)
- sarcoma.
These are much less common than BCC and SCC. They are treated differently.
Other skin conditions
The following skin conditions are not cancer. But over time they can sometimes develop into skin cancer. They are often treated in the same way as skin cancer.
Bowen’s disease
Bowen’s disease is a skin condition that may develop into SCC if left untreated. Sometimes it is called squamous cell carcinoma in situ.
Researchers think that 3 out of every 100 people with Bowen’s disease (3%) might develop SCC over time. But for most people, Bowen’s disease is not a serious condition and can be treated effectively. We have more information about Bowen’s disease on our website. Visit macmillan.org.uk/bowens-disease
Actinic keratosis (AK)
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a rough or crusty skin growth caused by damage from exposure to UV light over time. It is also called solar keratosis.
AK mainly affects areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the:
- hands and forearms
- face, ears and scalp
- lower legs.
If left untreated, AK may develop into SCC.
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