Symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer
Non-melanoma skin cancers are types of skin cancer that do not fall under the category of melanoma. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Learn about these skin cancer types and their symptoms in this guide so that you can inform your skin specialist early and get the treatment on time.
What is Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer?
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of skin cancer, consisting mainly of two forms: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Here is some information that might help you:
- It develops in the epidermis, often on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and neck.
- The main cause is ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds, which damages skin cell DNA, causing them to grow out of control.
- This type of cancer is normal, although melanoma is rare and is more serious. It is serious because it is likely to spread to other parts of the body.
- While non-melanoma skin cancers rarely spread and are usually responsive to treatment, melanoma is more aggressive and can invade nearby tissues if not detected and treated early.
Now we will understand the symptoms of the non-melanoma skin cancer and also the causes, so do report to your skin specialist in case you notice any changes.
Symptoms and Causes of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
| Symptoms | Causes |
| The parts of the body that are exposed to the sun often show the symptoms of non-melanoma. These include face, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands. But nonmelanoma skin cancer can happen on other parts of the body, too, including lips, fingers, fingernails and genital areas. Non-melanoma skin cancer symptoms appear as a change in the skin.. These changes include: A new growth on the skin.Itching, pain, crusting or bleeding of a spot.A sore that does not heal or one that keeps coming back.Changes to an existing skin spot. These changes include changes in shape or colour. | Exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun damages DNA in skin cells, causing mutations that can lead to cancer.Artificial tanning beds also emit harmful UV light, increasing the risk of skin cancer.One or more blistering sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.People with fair skin that burns or freckles easily, red or blonde hair, and blue eyes are at higher risk.A suppressed immune system due to medical conditions or immunosuppressant drugs, often used after organ transplants, increases the risk.Having a family history of skin cancer or having had skin cancer before makes a person more likely to get it again.Rare inherited genetic conditions, such as Gorlin syndrome, cause a high risk of developing multiple non-melanoma skin cancers.Areas of the skin that have been previously treated with radiotherapy have an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. |
FAQs: Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Q1. Is age also a cause of skin cancer?
Yes, age is a significant risk factor for skin cancer. As people get older, they have a longer cumulative exposure to sun damage, and their cells’ ability to repair DNA damage decreases. This makes skin cancer more likely to develop in older individuals.
Q2. What are the symptoms of melanoma skin cancer?
Symptoms of melanoma include a change in asymmetry, border, colour, diameter and evolution of the mole. It is known as the ABCDE rule. It also includes the appearance of new growth, so contact your skin specialist in case you notice any new growth or suspicious skin spots. Visit for a Melanoma diagnosis as early as you can.
Q3. What are the symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer?
Non-melanoma skin cancer symptoms include a new growth, a sore that won’t heal, or a rough/scaly patch on the skin. These can appear as pearly or waxy bumps, red or pink scaly patches, or firm, red lumps. Be alert for changes like bleeding, crusting, itching, pain, or slow growth.
Q4, Which kind of skin cancer is the most serious one?
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body and is more aggressive. While less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, it has the highest risk if not caught and treated early.
Final Thoguhts
At SCCQ, your skin checkup can help you evaluate your health condition better. You can consult with the specialists and understand whether your skin cancer is melanoma or not. Also, it is normal to have a few growths on the skin because of some injuries, so experts can differentiate these growths from skin cancer growth, so you can live comfortably.
