Metastasis in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: For Patients and Caregivers

Metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread beyond the original tumor to lymph nodes, skin, nerves, or organs, which often signals advanced disease. This resource explains the different levels of metastasis, including lymph node involvement, visceral spread to organs such as the lungs or liver, skin metastasis, and perineural spread to nearby nerves. It also reviews which types of non-melanoma skin cancers are more likely to spread, from squamous cell carcinoma with its higher risk of lymph node involvement to rare cancers like sebaceous carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Understanding these patterns helps patients and caregivers recognize potential symptoms, appreciate the seriousness of advanced disease, and work closely with their healthcare team on appropriate monitoring and treatment strategies.

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