Most people think of melanoma when they hear "skin cancer." But the truth is, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are far more common - and often ignored until it’s too late. Together, they make up about 95% of all nonmelanoma skin cancers. In the UK alone, over 150,000 cases are diagnosed each year. The good news? Both are highly curable if caught early. The bad news? Many people wait too long to get a weird spot checked - and that’s when things get serious.
What Exactly Are Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas?
Your skin has layers. The outermost layer, called the epidermis, is made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. Beneath them, in the deepest layer, are round basal cells. These basal cells constantly divide to replace dead skin cells as they rise to the surface and flake off.
Basal cell carcinoma starts in those basal cells. It grows slowly, often staying right where it begins. Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the squamous cells near the surface. It’s more likely to spread - not often, but enough to make it more dangerous.
Both are caused by long-term UV exposure - sun or tanning beds. About 80% of cases show up on areas like your face, ears, neck, scalp, and hands. If you’re over 50, fair-skinned, or have spent years in the sun without protection, your risk goes up significantly.
How Do They Look Different?
Spotting the difference isn’t always easy, but there are clear patterns.
Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like:
- A shiny, pearly bump - often mistaken for a mole or acne
- An open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts over and never fully heals
- A flat, scar-like patch that’s white or yellow and feels firm to the touch
These often appear on the nose, forehead, or cheeks. They don’t hurt at first. That’s part of why people ignore them.
Squamous cell carcinoma typically shows up as:
- A firm, red bump that grows quickly
- A rough, scaly patch that might crust or bleed
- A wart-like growth that feels thick or raised
- An open sore that doesn’t go away - sometimes with a raised edge
SCC can also appear on the lips, ears, or hands - places that get a lot of sun over time. Unlike BCC, SCC often feels tender or painful. Some people describe it as burning or itching.
Which One Is More Dangerous?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common - about 8 out of 10 skin cancers. But it’s also the least dangerous. It rarely spreads beyond the skin. Less than 0.1% of cases metastasize.
Squamous cell carcinoma is less common - about 2 in 10 skin cancers - but it’s more aggressive. It’s about 10 times more likely to spread than BCC. If it does, it can reach lymph nodes or even internal organs.
Here’s what that means:
- Localized BCC: 99% cure rate with simple removal
- Localized SCC: 95% cure rate - still very good
- Metastatic SCC: Survival drops to 25-45%
- Metastatic BCC: Almost unheard of
High-risk SCC locations include the lips, ears, and genital area. SCC on the lip has a 14% chance of spreading. That’s why doctors treat those spots more aggressively.
Growth Speed and Risk Factors
BCC grows slowly - maybe half a centimeter per year. Some take years to become noticeable.
SCC grows faster. It can double in size in just 4 to 6 weeks. That’s why sudden changes in a skin lesion should never be ignored.
Who’s most at risk?
- People over 50 - 85% of cases happen in this group
- Men - SCC is 65% more common in men, likely due to outdoor work and less sunscreen use
- Fair skin, light eyes, red or blonde hair
- History of sunburns or chronic sun exposure
- Organ transplant recipients - they have a 250 times higher risk of SCC
Interestingly, BCC is more linked to intense, occasional sunburns - like a weekend at the beach without reapplying sunscreen. SCC is tied to decades of cumulative exposure - think construction workers, farmers, or gardeners.
Treatment: What to Expect
Both cancers are treatable. But the approach differs.
For early BCC:
- Topical creams (like imiquimod or 5-FU) work for superficial cases - about 65% effective
- Surgical removal - simple excision or Mohs surgery - cures 95-98%
- Most patients need just one treatment
For SCC:
- Topical creams are less effective - only 40-50% success rate
- Surgery is almost always needed
- Mohs surgery has a 97% cure rate for primary SCC
- More aggressive margins are required - doctors remove more tissue around the tumor
- Patients often need more than one treatment - 1.8 procedures on average, compared to 1.2 for BCC
For advanced SCC, immunotherapy drugs like cemiplimab (Libtayo) are now available. They’ve helped patients with metastatic SCC live longer - something that wasn’t possible just a decade ago.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most people recover well. But the experience isn’t the same.
Patients with BCC often report:
- Minimal pain during treatment
- Good cosmetic results - especially if the lesion was small
- Low anxiety about recurrence
SCC patients are more likely to say:
- They felt pain or discomfort during treatment
- They had to undergo reconstructive surgery
- They worry constantly about it coming back
Follow-up care matters. SCC patients need check-ups every 3-6 months for the first year. BCC patients can often wait 6-12 months. That’s because SCC recurs more often - especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Prevention: The Real Game-Changer
Both cancers are preventable. Sunscreen isn’t optional - it’s essential.
Here’s what works:
- Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen - reduces BCC risk by 40%, SCC by 50%
- Wearing hats and UV-blocking clothing
- Avoiding midday sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Never using tanning beds
Check your skin monthly. Look for new spots, sores that don’t heal, or changes in existing moles or bumps. Take photos with your phone to track changes over time.
If you’ve had one skin cancer, your risk of another goes up. That’s why dermatologists recommend annual (or even quarterly) skin checks if you’re high-risk.
What’s New in 2026?
Technology is helping catch these cancers earlier.
AI tools trained on thousands of skin images can now distinguish BCC from SCC with 94% accuracy - better than many general practitioners. Dermatologists are using them in clinics to speed up diagnosis.
Genetic testing is also emerging. Researchers found that 90% of SCCs have a mutation in the TP53 gene - a sign of aggressive behavior. That’s helping doctors predict which cases need more intensive treatment.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is improving too. It’s now clearing 92% of superficial SCCs - better than older methods.
Final Takeaway
Basal cell carcinoma is common. Squamous cell carcinoma is more dangerous. But neither should scare you - if you act fast.
Don’t wait for it to bleed. Don’t assume it’s just a pimple. Don’t think, "It’s probably nothing." That’s how people miss the warning signs.
Get any new, changing, or persistent skin spot checked by a dermatologist. It takes five minutes. It could save your life.
And remember - protection today means fewer cancers tomorrow. Sunscreen, hats, shade. It’s that simple.
Can basal cell carcinoma spread to other parts of the body?
Basal cell carcinoma very rarely spreads - less than 0.1% of cases metastasize. It grows slowly and usually stays local. But if left untreated for years, it can destroy skin, cartilage, or bone in the area - especially on the nose, ear, or eyelid. That’s why early treatment matters, even if it doesn’t seem dangerous.
Is squamous cell carcinoma more serious than basal cell carcinoma?
Yes, in terms of risk. While BCC is far more common, SCC has a higher chance of spreading to lymph nodes or other organs - about 2-5% of cases. When it does, survival rates drop sharply. SCC also grows faster and often requires more aggressive treatment. That’s why doctors treat SCC with greater urgency, even when it’s small.
How do I know if a skin spot is cancerous?
Look for the ABCDEs of skin cancer - but adapted for nonmelanoma types. For BCC and SCC, watch for: a sore that doesn’t heal, a bump that grows quickly, a scaly patch that bleeds or crusts, or a red, firm nodule. If it’s new, changing, or bothering you - get it checked. You don’t need to be an expert. Dermatologists see hundreds of these spots every week. They’ll know.
Can I treat basal or squamous cell carcinoma at home?
No. Over-the-counter creams, apple cider vinegar, or freezing with home kits won’t work and can make things worse. Some topical prescriptions like imiquimod can treat very early, superficial BCC - but only under a doctor’s supervision. Surgery, radiation, or targeted therapies are the only proven methods. Delaying proper treatment increases the risk of disfigurement or spread.
How often should I get my skin checked?
If you’ve never had skin cancer and have low risk, an annual check-up is enough. If you’ve had one skin cancer, get checked every 6-12 months. If you’re high-risk - fair skin, history of sunburns, organ transplant, or family history - every 3-6 months. SCC recurs faster than BCC, so more frequent checks are critical. Don’t wait for symptoms.
Does sunscreen prevent both types of skin cancer?
Yes - but differently. Daily sunscreen use reduces basal cell carcinoma risk by about 40% and squamous cell carcinoma by 50%. That’s because SCC is more tied to long-term, cumulative sun exposure. BCC is more linked to intense, occasional burns. Either way, sunscreen is your best defense. Use SPF 30 or higher, reapply every two hours, and don’t forget your ears, lips, and scalp.
Phil Maxwell
January 22, 2026 AT 14:05Had a basal cell removed from my nose last year. Looked like a pimple that refused to die. Doc said it was classic BCC - pearly, shiny, didn’t hurt. I ignored it for 8 months thinking it’d go away. Don’t be me.
Dolores Rider
January 24, 2026 AT 08:16THEY’RE LYING ABOUT SUNSCREEN!! 😱 I read this guy on YouTube who said the FDA and Big Pharma are hiding the real cause - EM RADIATION FROM 5G TOWERS!! 📶💀 My skin cancer came after I moved near a cell tower. Sunscreen is just a distraction. #FreeTheSkin
venkatesh karumanchi
January 24, 2026 AT 23:53My uncle in India got SCC on his ear after 40 years farming under the sun. He didn’t have money for a dermatologist till it bled constantly. They did Mohs surgery - saved his life. Please, if you’re working outside, wear a hat. It’s not fancy, but it’s life.
Kat Peterson
January 25, 2026 AT 21:53Ugh. I’m so tired of people treating skin cancer like it’s just a ‘bad pimple.’ 🙄 I have a friend who had to get reconstructive surgery after ignoring a ‘scaly patch’ for two years. Now her lip looks like a melted candle. And she still doesn’t wear SPF. Like, honey, your face is not a beach towel.
Josh McEvoy
January 26, 2026 AT 12:44bro i had this thing on my neck for like 3 years… thought it was just a scar from a bike crash. turned out to be SCC. doc said if i waited 6 more months it could’ve spread. now i wear sunscreen like its my job. also i bought a hat that says ‘i survived my own dumbassery’ 😅
Viola Li
January 26, 2026 AT 22:09Why are we even talking about this? The real problem is that people are too lazy to go to the doctor. You don’t need a 1000-word post to know that if something looks weird, get it checked. It’s not rocket science. Stop glorifying ignorance.
Jenna Allison
January 27, 2026 AT 01:41Just to clarify: topical imiquimod works best for superficial BCC, not nodular. And for SCC, even if it’s small, if it’s on the ear or lip, always go with Mohs - the margins need to be wider because of the risk of perineural invasion. Also, if you’ve had one, get a full-body skin map done. Track changes with photos. Seriously, it’s the easiest prevention.