NMSC

Medical abbreviation · Dermatology

NMSC stands for Nonmelanoma skin cancer, a dermatology abbreviation.

Collective term for skin cancers other than melanoma, mainly basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, together the most common cancers in the US. Most are cured by local treatment, and they are usually not tracked by national cancer registries.

Example: History of NMSC (3 BCCs, 1 SCC); full skin exam every 6 months.

Usage notes

Many dermatologists prefer "keratinocyte carcinoma" because NMSC also lumps in rare cancers such as Merkel cell carcinoma. Because registries exclude them, incidence figures are estimates from insurance and survey data. Daily sunscreen use reduces SCC risk in randomized trials. Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) reduced new NMSCs in a 2015 trial of high-risk patients.

Related abbreviations

More dermatology abbreviations

• LS – Lichen sclerosus
• MCC – Merkel cell carcinoma
• MIS – Melanoma in situ
• MM – Malignant melanoma
• MMS – Mohs micrographic surgery
• NB-UVB – Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy
• PASI – Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
• PDT – Photodynamic therapy
• PIH – Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• PR – Pityriasis rosea
• PsO – Psoriasis
• PUVA – Psoralen plus ultraviolet A

See all 52 dermatology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.