Skin cancer (non-melanoma)

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to a group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin.

The term ‘non-melanoma’ distinguishes these more common kinds of skin cancer from the less common skin cancer known as melanoma, which spreads faster in the body.

The first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer is usually the appearance of a lump or patch on the skin that doesn’t heal after a few weeks.

In most cases, cancerous lumps are red and firm, while cancerous patches are often flat and scaly.

Speak to your GP if you have any skin abnormality that hasn’t healed after 4 weeks. Although it is unlikely to be skin cancer, it is best to be sure.

Read more about the symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer

Symptoms

The main symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer is the appearance of a lump or discoloured patch on the skin that doesn’t heal.

The lump or discoloured patch is the cancer, sometimes referred to as a tumour.

Non-melanoma skin cancer most often appears on areas of skin which are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands and shoulders.