Skin cancer

If you’re affected by non-melanoma skin cancer, you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

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What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. Get an overview of skin cancer, what causes it and who gets it.

The signs of skin cancer

These images and descriptions may help you identify the signs of non-melanoma skin cancer, as well as the signs of non-cancerous skin spots.

How to spot a skin cancer

Learn how to check your skin and how to spot a skin cancer.

Getting diagnosed

Find out how non-melanoma skin cancer is diagnosed and who will provide your care.

Treating skin cancer

Learn about the different ways non-melanoma skin cancer is treated. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, freezing, topical creams and photodynamic therapy.

Life after treatment

Learn about follow-up care, how to protect your skin from the sun after treatment, and ways to deal with changes to your appearance.

Questions for your doctor Asking your doctor questions will help you make an informed choice. You may want to include some of the questions below in your own list.

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Diagnosis

What is this spot on my skin?
Will I need a biopsy or excision?
What is my biopsy result? Do I have skin cancer?
What type of skin cancer is it?
Did the biopsy or excision remove all the skin cancer?
Are there clinical guidelines for this type of cancer?

Treatment

Do I need further treatment? If so, what treatment do you recommend?
Do I need to see a specialist?
I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?
How long will treatment take?
If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
How much will the treatment cost? Is it covered by Medicare?

Side effects

Will I have a lot of pain? What will be done about this?
Will there be any scarring after the skin cancer has been removed?
When will I get my results and who will tell me?

After treatment

Is this skin cancer likely to come back?
How often should I get my skin checked?
Where can I go for follow-up skin checks?
Will I need any further tests after treatment is finished?
How can I prevent further skin cancers?

The information here is about non-melanoma skin cancers. Learn more about melanoma skin cancer.

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