[Management of non melanoma skin cancer by the general practitioner]

The incidence of skin cancer cases has increased significantly during the last decades. Non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in Caucasian populations. This term refers to 2 major types of skin cancer : basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Mortality from BCC and SCC is low but there may be substantial morbidity from disfigurement as these lesions tend to be located on the skin of the head and neck. Actinic keratosis is a premalignant condition that may evolve into SCC. Fortunately, skin cancer is amenable to early detection and potential cure. General practitioners may play a very important role in the timely diagnosis and management of these tumors. They are on the front line to detect NMSC : opportune examination coupled with good observation skills allow a high detection rate of suspicious lesions. It is essential to identify the high-risk patient as well as the clinical signs of suspicious lesions. This article outlines the clinical features of common NMSC and highlights which lesions should be best referred to a dermatologist.