Non-melanoma skin cancer: diagnosis and current recommendations on management

Abstract

The non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) account for the vast majority of global skin cancer diagnoses. Although mortality rate is low, tumour burden can cause significant morbidity from local compression and invasion. Aetiological factors include external influences, namely exposure to UV radiation as well as other carcinogens and individual predisposition to susceptibility from these external factors. Management consists mainly of surgical excision or one of numerous non-surgical methods, the choice of which should be tailored to individual tumour and patient factors. Newer immunological therapies may have a role in advanced or refractory cases. Guidance for management of NMSC in the United Kingdom (UK) is provided by the British Association of Dermatologists.