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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

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These are the most common skin cancers in white and fair skinned people. BCC is rare in dark skinned people. Most BCCs develop in people over the age of 60. A BCC typically develops on a sun exposed area of the skin such as the head and neck. However, they can develop on any area of skin. The first sign is often a small red, pink or pearly lump which appears on previously normal skin. The lump is often dome shaped. However, BCCs can vary in shape and colour. They usually grow very slowly and and it can take many months for one to grow to a centimetre or more.

In time the lump on the skin may crust over, ulcerate or bleed from time to time. A skin ulcer caused by a BCC is sometimes called a 'rodent ulcer' which often looks like a small inflamed crater with a raised edge. BCCs rarely spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body. However, untreated they will continue to grow locally and can cause damage to nearby structures. For example, a BCC may erode and damage the nose or an ear.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
These are the second most common skin cancer in white and fair skinned people. SCC is rare in dark skinned people. Like BCCs, most SCCs develop in people over the age of 60. An SCC typically develops on the face - most commonly on or around the ears or lips. But, again, any area of skin can be affected. It typically starts as a small crusted or scaly area or skin with a red or pink base. It may grow into a lump which may look like a wart. An SCC may ulcerate or bleed from time to time. However, an early SCC can vary in shape, appearance and colour.

As an SCC grows larger and deeper, it damages nearby structures. For example, if left untreated, an SCC next to a nose or ear can grow into, erode, and then completely destroy the nose or ear. An SCC may also spread (metastasise) to other areas of the body. However, this is uncommon in the early stages and most are treated before any spread occurs.