Almirall
Keratinocyte cancer

Keratinocyte cancer types

Keratinocyte cancer includes all skin cancers that do not originate from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells involved in melanoma. 

Most keratinocyte cancers start in keratinocytes or other skin cells, and long-term exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation often plays a major role. 

Two main types make up the majority of cases, but there are several rarer subtypes that require separate consideration. Although they tend to grow less aggressively than melanoma, early diagnosis of keratinocyte cancer remains crucial. 

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of keratinocyte cancer. It develops from basal cells located in the deepest layer of the epidermis. BCC usually appears on parts of the body exposed to the sun over many years, such as the face, ears, scalp, neck and the backs of the hands.

BCC may look like a pearly or translucent bump, a flat pink patch, or a sore that heals and reopens repeatedly. It usually grows slowly and very rarely spreads to other organs. When identified early, it carries low risk. Treatment often involves surgical removal, which usually leads to an excellent outcome.

If left untreated, however, a BCC can extend into deeper tissues or even reach underlying bone. This risk increases when the tumour develops in delicate areas such as the eyelids, nose or ears. 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of keratinocyte cancer. It arises from squamous cells, which make up most of the upper epidermis. SCC often occurs in sun-exposed areas including the head, neck, forearms and hands, but it may also develop on chronic wounds, scars or areas of persistently damaged skin.

Compared with BCC, SCC has a slightly higher chance of spreading to lymph nodes or other organs, although most cases respond very well to treatment. Early diagnosis is particularly important to prevent deeper invasion.

SCC can appear as a persistent, firm, red lump; an open sore; or an area of skin that stays crusty, scaly or prone to bleeding. Doctors consider the size, depth and location of the tumour when planning treatment. 

Rarer types of keratinocyte cancer

Alongside BCC and SCC, several much rarer skin cancers fall under the non-melanoma umbrella. These less common forms often behave very differently and require specialized management. 

Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is uncommon but highly aggressive. It arises from Merkel cells, which sit near nerve endings in the skin. MCC usually presents as a rapidly growing, painless, firm nodule on sun-exposed skin and tends to affect older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

Because MCC can spread quickly to lymph nodes or distant organs, treatment usually involves surgery and radiotherapy, with immunotherapy or systemic treatments added when needed. Specialist centres typically manage MCC due to its complexity and fast-moving nature. 

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Kaposi’s sarcoma is a vascular tumour that can affect the skin and internal organs. It occurs more frequently in individuals with weakened immune systems, but it can also appear in people without known immunodeficiency.

On the skin, Kaposi’s sarcoma often shows as purple, red or brown patches or nodules. When it involves internal organs, symptoms vary depending on the site. Treatment ranges from surgery and radiotherapy to chemotherapy or immunotherapy, depending on the extent of the disease and the specific subtype.

Although relatively uncommon within the non-melanoma group, Kaposi’s sarcoma requires distinct diagnostic and management approaches. 

T cell lymphoma of the skin

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma develops when T-lymphocytes become cancerous and primarily localize in the skin. It can appear as patches, plaques or raised lesions, sometimes resembling eczema or psoriasis in its early stages.

The condition often evolves slowly and may require long-term monitoring. Treatment options vary widely, from topical therapies and phototherapy to systemic medicines, depending on the stage and clinical behaviour. Although it falls under the lymphoma category medically, its presentation as a primary skin condition places it within many dermatological frameworks for keratinocyde cancer. 

Sebaceous gland cancer

Sebaceous gland carcinoma is a rare cancer arising from the skin’s oil-producing glands. It most commonly affects the area around the eyes, where sebaceous glands are most abundant. It often appears as a firm, painless lump and may resemble common benign conditions such as a stye, which can delay diagnosis.

Early detection is essential because this cancer can spread and has a higher chance of recurrence than the more common non-melanoma types.  

To select the most appropriate treatment of keratinocyde cancer, a correct diagnosis of the type is crucial. 

FAQs

References