Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

There are 2 main types of skin cancer - non melanoma skin cancer and melanoma skin cancer.

Non melanoma skin cancer includes:

basal cell skin cancer - this is also called basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
squamous cell skin cancer - this is also called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
some other rare types

This section of the website is about non melanoma skin cancer. We have another section for melanoma skin cancer.

Non melanoma skin cancers tend to develop most often on skin that's exposed to the sun. There is a high cure rate for these cancers. Most people only have minor surgery and don't need further treatment.

It is important that you check your skin regularly.

Find out about melanoma skin cancer

Last reviewed: 16 Dec 2022

Next review due: 16 Dec 2025

Types of skin cancer

The 2 main types of non melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

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.

Risks and causes

Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. There are some other factors that can increase your risk.

Photos of skin cancer

See what different types of skin cancers might look like.

Diagnosing skin cancer

See your GP if you are worried about or have symptoms of skin cancer. They will examine you and arrange for a biopsy if needed.

Skin cancer main page

Non melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and other rare types. They tend to develop most often on skin that has been exposed to the sun.