Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to a group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin. The term non-melanoma separates more common types of skin cancer from the less common skin cancer known as melanoma - which can be more serious.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most prevalent skin cancer and is distinguished by abnormal growth of squamous cells, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. About 147,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK alone. According to the NHS, SCC accounts for around 20 in every 100 skin cancers, reports the Mirror.
This type of skin cancer is not usually life threatening and can be easily treated if caught early. But left untreated, these lesions can become deadly and spread to other parts of the body, causing serious complications.
