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nonmelanoma skin cancer

(non-MEH-luh-NOH-muh skin KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in the tissues of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). The two main types of nonmelanoma skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which begins in thin, flat cells that form the top layer of the epidermis, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which begins in round cells that form the lower layer of the epidermis. SCC and BCC are the most common types of skin cancer. Nonmelanoma skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common in areas of the skin often exposed to sunlight, such as the face, ears, lower lip, neck, arms, and top of the hands. Also called keratinocyte carcinoma.
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Anatomy of the skin; drawing shows the epidermis (including the squamous cell and basal cell layers), dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Also shown are the hair shafts, hair follicles, oil glands, lymph vessels, nerves, fatty tissue, veins, arteries, and sweat glands.Enlarge this image in new window
Anatomy of the skin showing the epidermis (including the squamous cell and basal cell layers), dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and other parts of the skin.
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