What is basal and squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer)?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. The main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is much less common than the other types but much more likely to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Most deaths from skin cancer are caused by melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and actinic keratosis often appear as a change in the skin. Skin color and being exposed to sunlight can increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin occur most often in areas of the skin exposed to the sun, such as the nose, ears, lower lip or top of the hands.
What are the risk factors for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer?
Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin include the following:
- Being exposed to natural sunlight or artificial sunlight (such as from tanning beds) over long periods of time.
- Having a fair complexion, which includes the following:
- Fair skin that freckles and burns easily, does not tan, or tans poorly.
- Blue, green or other light-colored eyes.
- Red or blond hair.
Although having a fair complexion is a risk factor for skin cancer, people of all skin colors can get skin cancer.
What is the treatment for basal and squamous cell skin cancer?
Treatment for basal and squamous cell skin cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and more. New treatments are also being tested in clinical trials.
Learn More: NCI