Check that bump on your skin.

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.
See your GP if you have any skin abnormality that
hasn't healed after four 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.
Types of non-melanoma skin cancer
Non-melanoma skin cancers usually develop in the
outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and are often
named after the type of skin cell from which they
develop. The two most common types of non-
melanoma skin cancer are:
basal cell carcinoma – starts in the cells lining the
bottom of the epidermis and accounts for about
75% of skin cancers
squamous cell carcinoma – starts in the cells lining
the top of the epidermis and accounts for about
20% of skin cancers
Why does it happen?
The exact cause of non-melanoma skin cancer is
unknown, although it is linked with overexposure
to ultraviolet (UV) light.
UV light comes from the sun, as well as artificial
sunbeds and sunlamps.
In addition to UV light overexposure, there are
some things that can increase your chances of
developing non-melanoma skin cancer, such as:
a family history of the condition
pale skin that burns easily
a large number of moles or freckles.
Who is affected?
Non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most
common types of cancer in the world. There are an
estimated 100,000 new cases of non-melanoma
skin cancer every year in the UK.
Non-melanoma skin cancer affects slightly more
men than women.
Diagnosis
Your GP can examine your skin for signs of skin
cancer. They may refer you to a skin specialist
(dermatologist) or a specialist plastic surgeon if
they are unsure or suspect skin cancer.
The specialist will examine your skin again and will
perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of skin
cancer.
A biopsy is an operation that removes some
affected skin so it can be studied under a
microscope
Treatiing-melanoma skin cancer
Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma
skin cancer. This involves removing the cancerous
tumour and some of the surrounding skin.
Other treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer
include cryotherapy, creams, radiotherapy,
chemotherapy and a treatment known as
photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer is
generally successful as, unlike most other types of
cancer, there is a considerably lower risk that the
cancer will spread to other parts of the body.