Dermatology Surveillance Guidelines for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

Nonmelanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) are the most common skin cancers in the U.S. For people with a history of these cancers, regular dermatology follow-up is recommended to detect recurrences or new cancers early. The NCCN advises complete skin exams every 6–12 months for the first 5 years after a basal cell carcinoma diagnosis, then annually for life. For squamous cell carcinoma, follow-up should be every 3–12 months in the first 2 years, then once or twice yearly for the next 3 years, and annually after 5 years. Patients with higher risk features—such as lymph node involvement, perineural invasion, or immunosuppression—may need more frequent exams and imaging. Because the 5-year risk of another skin cancer is at least 41%, and rises to 82% with multiple prior cancers, ongoing surveillance is critical.

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