Basal and squamous cell carcinoma

Nonmelanotic skin cancer, primarily basal and squamous cell carcinoma, represents a major health concern in both the United States and the world. Primary care physicians must be able to recognize these cancers and perform the appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm their clinical suspicion. Several biopsy techniques are available for the physician to use in their office, and once diagnosis is confirmed, a variety of treatment modalities exist that provide excellent cure rates. Nevertheless, primary prevention with the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and wide-brimmed hats is necessary to reduce the incidence of this costly disease.