Non melanoma skin cancer
The sore might bleed or keep scabbing over, and it doesn’t heal.
An open sore or break in your skin is called an ulcer. An ulcer might ooze or have crusted areas, and it doesn’t heal. Or it heals and then comes back.
You might notice a new growth, spot or lump on your skin which may change in appearance over time. It might be shiny, red, pink or pearly white. On brown or black skin, it is more likely to be pearly, brown or black.
The lump might have a pale shiny edge which runs around a dip in the middle, like a crater. And there might be small blood vessels on its surface.
These patches could be flat or raised. They could also be crusty, scaly, itchy, painful or bleed. They might be red in colour. In darker skin tones the patch might be darker than the surrounding skin rather than red.
Or you might notice a patch of skin that looks like a scar. This It might be an area of pale, shiny, tight skin that might grow or change.
Look out for a new mole or a change to an existing mole or freckle. This can be a sign of another type of skin cancer called melanoma.
Go to symptoms of melanoma skin cancer
Non melanoma skin cancer tends to develop most often on skin exposed to the sun.
To spot skin cancer early it helps to know how your skin normally looks. That way, you'll notice any changes more easily.
To look at areas you can’t easily see, you could try using a hand held mirror and reflect your skin onto another mirror. Or you could get your partner or a friend to look. This is very important if you're regularly outside in the sun for work or leisure.
You can take a photo of anything that doesn't look quite right. If you can then it's a good idea to put a ruler or tape measure next to the abnormal area when you take a photo. This gives you a more accurate idea about its size and can help you tell if it's changing. You can then show these photos to your doctor.
Last reviewed: 25 Mar 2026
Next review due: 25 Mar 2029
Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. There are some other factors that can increase your risk.
The 2 main types of non melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
The cure rates for non melanoma skin cancers are very high.
See your GP if you are worried about or have symptoms of skin cancer. They will examine you and arrange for a biopsy if needed.
Non melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and other rare types.
Non melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and other rare types. They tend to develop most often on skin that has been exposed to the sun.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
