Quick read
Key points
- 1
Non-melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common forms of skin cancer. They usually develop in areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, and hands, and tend to grow more slowly than melanoma.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
You notice a sore, lump, or patch of skin that doesn't heal within a few weeks
01 · Know
What is Skin cancer (non-melanoma)?
Non-melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common forms of skin cancer. They usually develop in areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, and hands, and tend to grow more slowly than melanoma.
These cancers often appear as a persistent, non-healing sore, a scaly patch, or a firm, raised lump, sometimes with a pearly appearance or visible blood vessels. While rarely life-threatening if caught early, they can cause significant local damage if left untreated.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
See your GP for any persistent, non-healing skin change, particularly on areas exposed to the sun over the years.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1You notice a sore, lump, or patch of skin that doesn't heal within a few weeks
- 2A skin lesion is growing, changing in appearance, or bleeding without an obvious cause
- 3You have a scaly, crusty patch of skin that keeps recurring in the same spot
- 4You notice a shiny, pearly bump, particularly on sun-exposed skin
- 5A previously treated skin cancer site shows new changes
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Get any non-healing skin change checked.A sore or patch that persists for more than a few weeks, particularly on sun-exposed skin, should be assessed by a doctor.
- 2Protect your skin from further sun damage.Using sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade reduces the risk of new lesions developing.
- 3Attend regular skin checks if you've had skin cancer before.People with a history of skin cancer are at higher risk of developing further lesions and benefit from ongoing monitoring.
- 4Follow post-treatment care instructions.If a lesion is removed, following wound care advice helps ensure proper healing.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Skin cancer (non-melanoma) ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Non-melanoma skin cancers are highly treatable, especially when caught early, and most are successfully removed with minor procedures.
A sore or scaly patch that doesn't heal within a few weeks is the classic warning sign worth getting checked, even if it doesn't look dramatic.