What is nonmelanoma skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the skin. It is the most common type of cancer. It is almost always cured when it is found early and treated. So it is important to see your doctor if you have changes in your skin. Most skin cancers are the nonmelanoma type. There are two main types of nonmelanoma skin cancer: • Basal cell carcinoma . Most nonmelanoma cancers are this type. It can damage deeper tissues, such as muscles and bones. It almost never spreads to other parts of the body. • Squamous cell carcinoma . This type is less common. It often starts in skin that has been injured or diseased. It sometimes spreads to other parts of the body. What causes it? Nonmelanoma skin cancer is usually caused by too much sun. Using tanning beds or sunlamps too much can also cause it. How is nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnosed? Skin cancer usually appears as a growth that changes in color, shape, or size. This can be a sore that does not heal or a change in a wart or a mole. These change
