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Non-melanoma skin cancer

Overview

Non-melanoma skin cancer is cancer that starts in the top layer of skin. It's more common and usually less serious than melanoma skin cancer.

Non-melanoma skin cancer usually causes a growth or unusual patch on the skin. These can vary in colour, size and texture.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is cancer that starts in the top layer of skin. It's more common and usually less serious than melanoma skin cancer.

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. It's more common in older people.

Things you can do to lower your chance of getting skin cancer include not staying in the sun too long, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and using sunscreen.

Non-melanoma skin cancer can be diagnosed by cutting out a section of affected skin and checking it for cancer. This is called an excision biopsy.

Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. Radiotherapy, medicines, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy are also sometimes used.

If you have non-melanoma skin cancer, you can get support from your specialist team and the charities Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Page last reviewed: 01/01/1970
Next review due: 01/01/1970