Skin Cancer, Nonmelanoma
What Happens
Nonmelanoma skin cancer usually develops slowly, invading and destroying nearby tissues. It may take months or years for basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas to develop. Because of this slow growth, skin cancer can often be detected and treated early in its development, increasing the chance for a cure.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma can affect the surface of the skin where it appears. If it is not treated, it can grow larger and cause problems beneath the skin, sometimes damaging the muscles and bones. Basal cell carcinoma very rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body.
After you have one basal cell carcinoma, you are more likely to have another one develop in a new place. If basal cell carcinoma comes back at the same place (recurs), it may grow faster and cause more tissue damage.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma often starts from a small rough spot in sun-damaged skin (Reference actinic keratosis Opens New Window). Or it may develop from an early form of skin cancer called Reference Bowen's disease Opens New Window. If a squamous cell carcinoma is not treated, it may spread.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 2, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology |
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