2 Indications and current treatments

2 Indications and current treatments

2.1

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer in the UK. It is generally a slow-growing, locally invasive epidermal skin tumour that rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Although it is not usually life-threatening, the tumour can cause extensive tissue destruction if it is not treated. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK. It may spread into local lymph nodes and metastasise to other parts of the body.

2.2

Current treatments for BCC and SCC include surgical excision and radiotherapy, and less commonly curettage, cryotherapy and chemotherapy.