The nose is a common location for skin cancer because it is more often exposed to the sun. The main types of skin cancer on the nose are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Symptoms can depend on the type of skin cancer on the nose but may include sores, spots, growths, and skin discoloration. Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of the cancer.

Read on to learn more about the types and symptoms of skin cancer on the nose. This article also discusses treatment options, diagnosis, and more.

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There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.

BCC and SCC are both nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Basal cell carcinoma

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and rarely spreads, or metastasizes, to other body parts.

BCC usually develops after frequent sun exposure. This cancer commonly develops on the:

  • face, which can include the nose
  • head
  • neck

However, BCC can form anywhere on the body that receives frequent sun exposure.

Learn more about BCC.

Squamous cell carcinoma

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. Typically, SCC occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as:

  • face, which can include the nose
  • ears
  • lips
  • neck
  • back of the hands

SCC is more likely than BCC to grow deeper into the skin. It is also more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Learn more about SCC.

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC. It develops from melanocytes, which are the cells in the epidermis responsible for making pigment.

Melanoma is more likely to grow and spread to other parts of the body.

Learn more about melanoma.

Symptoms of skin cancer depend on the type of cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma

BCC symptoms can include:

  • an open sore that may bleed or ooze
  • a pink-reddish growth or irritated area that may crust or itch
  • a bump that may appear shiny, pearly, and pink-reddish
  • a scar-like, waxy area

While BCC typically appears as a pink or reddish color, it may also be:

  • the same color as the skin
  • black
  • brown
  • blueish
  • gray
  • white
  • yellowish

Squamous cell carcinoma

SCC symptoms can include:

  • a rough, reddish, scaly area on the surface of the skin
  • a brown spot that may appear similar to an age spot
  • open sore, often with a raised border
  • a hard, dome-like growth
  • wart-like growth
  • a sore developing in an old scar
  • a small horn-shaped growth emerging from the skin

SCC can vary in color. It may appear:

  • red or pink
  • purple or grayish
  • brown
  • black
  • yellowish
  • white (in the mouth)

Melanoma

Melanoma symptoms can include:

  • changes to an existing mole
  • developing a spot that looks different from other spots on the skin, and may look like:
    • a mole
    • a freckle
    • an age spot
  • a growing spot that has an irregular border and more than one color
  • a firm, dome-shaped growth that may bleed
  • a slow-growing patch of thick skin that looks similar to a scar

View the slideshow below for photos of skin cancer on the nose.

Learn more about what skin cancer can look like.

Skin cancer on the nose most commonly occurs from sun exposure. It can also happen with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from tanning beds.

Certain factors can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. These factors include:

  • family history of skin cancer
  • personal history of skin cancer
  • lighter skin color
  • lighter eye or hair color
  • having a large number of moles
  • older age
  • having a compromised immune system

It is best for a person to contact a doctor if they have concerns about the risk factors for skin cancer on the nose.

Learn more about skin cancer causes and risk factors.

There are several treatment options for skin cancer. Treatments a doctor recommends depend on the type and severity of the skin cancer and may include:

A doctor can explain what each treatment involves so the person can make an informed decision about their treatment plan.

If a doctor suspects skin cancer, they may first perform a physical examination and take a medical history. They will also ask the individual questions about their symptoms.

To confirm the diagnosis or rule out other possible causes, a doctor will order a biopsy. This procedure involves taking a sample of the tumor to investigate it under a microscope.

A doctor may order further tests to ensure the cancer has not spread to another part of the body, such as a fine-needle aspiration (FNA). FNA is a type of biopsy involving a needle and syringe to remove cells from the lymph nodes. FNA is more likely used for SCC and melanoma diagnoses.

There are several ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer on the nose. These include:

  • wearing wide-brimmed hats
  • using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
  • not using indoor tanning or sun beds
  • spending time indoors or in shaded areas
  • taking oral nicotinamide for people at high risk of skin cancer

A doctor can provide more information about ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer on the nose.

Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body. It usually affects areas most frequently exposed to the sun, including the nose.

There are different types of skin cancer on the nose. The main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Symptoms of skin cancer on the nose can vary but may include new growths, sores, spots, and discoloration of the skin.

Treatment options for skin cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other drug therapies.

It is best for a person to contact a doctor if they have concerns about skin cancer on the nose. A doctor can order tests to confirm the diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments.