24 June 2026
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the two most common types of skin cancer.
Both are usually treatable, especially when found early. Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, where it is, how large or deep it is and whether it has been treated before.
BCCs begin in the basal cells in the lower part of the skin’s outer layer.
It usually grows slowly and is less likely to spread than other skin cancers. Even so, it still needs treatment because it can continue to grow and damage nearby tissue.
A BCC may look like a:
SCCs begin in the squamous cells near the surface of the skin. They can often be treated successfully but are generally more likely than BCC to grow quickly or spread if left untreated.
A SCC may look like a:
The main risk factor for both BCC and SCC is cumulative sun exposure over time, which is especially important in New Zealand.
Other risk factors include:
Doctors look at a few key factors before recommending treatment, including:
A biopsy is often used to confirm the diagnosis before treatment is planned.
Both BCC and SCC are often treated by removing the skin cancer.Some lesions can be treated with a simpler approach, while others need a more precise or wider treatment, especially if they are in a sensitive area or have higher-risk features.
The aim is to treat the cancer effectively while also considering healing and cosmetic outcome.
SCC should be assessed promptly, and some signs may need more urgent medical attention. Seek urgent evaluation if a lesion:
Many skin cancers can be treated effectively when found early.
Getting a lesion checked early can help clarify what it is and reduce the chance of needing more complex treatment later. It can also be helpful to track skin changes over time, especially when a spot is new, evolving or difficult to monitor from memory alone.
The total ull body imaging stage of our SkinTracker™ system, supports this by creating a visual record of the skin that can be compared over time, helping clinicians identify subtle new or changing lesions more clearly.
For workplaces wanting to support staff wellbeing, Skin Institute offers Skin Cancer Spot Check events for businesses through its Corporate Wellbeing Programme. These popup events can make skin checks much easier for employees to access.
If this is something your workplace could benefit from, consider raising it with your employer, HR team or Health & Safety lead and inviting them to get in touch with Skin Institute to learn more.
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BCC is usually slow growing and less likely to spread, but it can still cause significant local damage if not treated.
In general, SCC is more likely than BCC to grow more quickly or spread, which is why prompt assessment is important.
Doctors consider the type of skin cancer, its size, depth, location, whether it looks higher risk and whether it has returned before.
Not always. Surgery is common, but some lesions may be treated in other ways depending on the diagnosis and clinical situation.
