What is basal and squamous cell skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common kinds of skin cancer. Together they are the most common cancers in the United States. Millions of people are treated for them each year. Doctors sometimes call them keratinocyte cancers or nonmelanoma skin cancers. They start in cells in the top layer of the skin. The main cause is damage from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and tanning beds over many years. That is why they show up most often on the face, ears, scalp, neck, arms, and hands. People with fair skin, light eyes, many sunburns, or a lot of time outdoors have a higher risk, but anyone can get them.

When should I call my care team?

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills, especially after surgery or while on immunotherapy; Bleeding from a wound that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure; Redness that spreads, warmth, pus, or a bad smell from a surgery wound; Wound edges that open up, or a large swelling under the wound; New numbness, tingling, drooping, or weakness in your face; A new lump in your neck, under your arm, or near where the cancer was; On immunotherapy: new cough or shortness of breath, severe diarrhea or belly pain, yellow skin or eyes, or a severe rash; On immunotherapy after a transplant: less urine, fever, or pain over the transplanted organ; Severe muscle pain or weakness, or very dark urine, while taking a hedgehog inhibitor.

Basal and squamous cell skin cancer

Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the most common cancers, and almost all are cured with simple treatments when found early.

Hi, I'm Rosa. Today we'll go through basal and squamous cell skin cancer together, one step at a time. I'll keep it simple, and you can pause me, go back, or skip ahead whenever you like. Just so you know, this is for learning only. It is not medical advice, so please check everything with your own doctor and care team. Okay, let's get started.

What these skin cancers are

Let's start with the basics. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are the most common cancers of all. They start in the top layer of the skin. The main cause is sun damage over many years. Tanning beds cause it too. That is why they often show up on the face, ears, scalp, and hands. They may look like a shiny bump, a scaly spot, or a sore that will not heal. Most grow slowly. When found early, almost all are cured. Melanoma is a different skin cancer, and it has its own guide.

Types and related conditions

Now let's talk briefly about the types. Basal cell cancer is the most common. It grows slowly and almost never spreads. Squamous cell cancer is next. Most are cured, but a few can spread to nearby glands. A rough, scaly spot from the sun can be a precancer. That means it is not cancer yet, but it could turn into one. Some cancers are called high risk. They are bigger, deeper, or in tricky places. Your care team will tell you which type you have.

Tests you may have

Now let's talk about tests. A skin doctor will look closely at the spot. They will also check the rest of your skin. A biopsy takes a tiny piece after a numbing shot. It only takes a few minutes. It is the only way to know for sure. For squamous cell cancer, the doctor may feel the glands in your neck or under your arm. Most people do not need scans. Scans are used for bigger or deeper cancers.

Stage and risk

Next up, let's talk about stage and risk. Most of these skin cancers are small. They do not get a formal stage. Instead, doctors decide if the cancer is low risk or high risk. Low risk cancers are small and easy to remove. High risk cancers are bigger, deeper, or on the face, ears, or lips. A weak immune system also raises the risk. Bigger squamous cell cancers may get a stage from zero to four. Ask your care team to explain yours.

Tumor features and other tests

Before we move to treatment, there are some things to know. Gene tests are not usually needed for these skin cancers. What matters most is what the doctor sees under the microscope. How deep the cancer goes matters. Cancer growing along a nerve matters too. A weak immune system, like after a transplant, also matters. Your doctor will tell you which features you have and what they mean. The Questions to ask page can help too.

Main treatments

Now let's talk about treatment. Most skin cancers are simply cut out in the office. Mohs surgery removes the cancer one thin layer at a time. Each layer is checked while you wait. It saves healthy skin and has the highest cure rate. Small cancers may be scraped away or frozen. Some early ones can be treated with creams. Radiation is an option when surgery is hard. For advanced basal cell cancer, there are daily pills. For advanced squamous cell cancer, immunotherapy helps your immune system fight the cancer. Clinical trials may offer new options too.

Side effects and what helps

Let's talk about side effects. After surgery, keep the wound clean as your doctor tells you. A little redness and soreness is normal. If it bleeds, press firmly for twenty minutes. Call if redness spreads or you get a fever. Creams can make the skin red and crusty for a while. That means they are working. The pills for basal cell cancer can cause muscle cramps and taste changes. Immunotherapy can cause rash, diarrhea, or cough. Tell your team about anything new. We have a whole side effects guide on this site.

Living well and preventing more

Last, let's talk about living well. After one skin cancer, getting another is common. So keep up with regular skin checks. Check your own skin once a month. Look for new spots or sores that do not heal. Protect your skin every day. Wear a hat and use sunscreen. Never use tanning beds. If you get many skin cancers, ask about a vitamin called nicotinamide. If you had an organ transplant, you need skin checks more often. Call your team right away for a fever, a wound that will not stop bleeding, or a new lump in your neck. If it feels very bad, call 911. You can also visit our new Screening, prevention and survivorship section.

You did great today. Thank you for learning with me. Write down any questions and bring them to your next visit. Keep up with your skin checks, and call your care team any time something worries you. Most people with these skin cancers are cured. You are not alone.

Call your care team right away if you have

Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills, especially after surgery or while on immunotherapy
Bleeding from a wound that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure
Redness that spreads, warmth, pus, or a bad smell from a surgery wound
Wound edges that open up, or a large swelling under the wound
New numbness, tingling, drooping, or weakness in your face
A new lump in your neck, under your arm, or near where the cancer was
On immunotherapy: new cough or shortness of breath, severe diarrhea or belly pain, yellow skin or eyes, or a severe rash
On immunotherapy after a transplant: less urine, fever, or pain over the transplanted organ
Severe muscle pain or weakness, or very dark urine, while taking a hedgehog inhibitor

Side effects: what helps

Sources

Quick answers

What is basal and squamous cell skin cancer?: Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common kinds of skin cancer. Together they are the most common cancers in the United States. Millions of people are treated for them each year. Doctors sometimes call them keratinocyte cancers or nonmelanoma skin cancers. They start in cells in the top layer of the skin. The main cause is damage from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and tanning beds over many years. That is why they show up most often on the face, ears, scalp, neck, arms, and hands. People with fair skin, light eyes, many sunburns, or a lot of time outdoors have a higher risk, but anyone can get them.
When should I call my care team?: Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, or chills, especially after surgery or while on immunotherapy; Bleeding from a wound that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure; Redness that spreads, warmth, pus, or a bad smell from a surgery wound; Wound edges that open up, or a large swelling under the wound; New numbness, tingling, drooping, or weakness in your face; A new lump in your neck, under your arm, or near where the cancer was; On immunotherapy: new cough or shortness of breath, severe diarrhea or belly pain, yellow skin or eyes, or a severe rash; On immunotherapy after a transplant: less urine, fever, or pain over the transplanted organ; Severe muscle pain or weakness, or very dark urine, while taking a hedgehog inhibitor.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.