Many people notice a spot on their nose and hope it will go away. Skin cancer on the nose is more common than most people expect, and the nose is one of the most visible places on the face to treat.

In this guide, I explain what skin cancer on the nose can look like, the types most often found there, and when a spot should be checked.

Why the Nose Is Vulnerable to Sun Damage

The nose is one of the most common areas to suffer sunburn. It protrudes from the face, often slipping past the protection of hats and sunglasses, and it takes frequent exposure to the Western Australian sun.

Over time, this adds up to significant UV damage, which is the leading cause of skin cancer.

What Types of Skin Cancer Affect the Nose?

The most common types of skin cancer on the nose are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Both are non-melanoma skin cancers, also called keratinocyte cancers.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC appears on the nose frequently because of its sun-exposed position. It tends to grow slowly and is unlikely to spread, but it can still damage the surrounding tissue if it isn’t addressed early.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

SCC is the other common type found on the nose. It has a higher chance of spreading than BCC if it isn’t treated, which is why early assessment matters.

Melanoma on the Nose

Melanoma is less common on the nose but can be more aggressive. It can appear as a dark spot, or as a pink or red lesion with little visible pigment. You can read more about understanding melanoma.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer on the Nose

Several factors can increase your risk:

• Cumulative UV exposure or frequent sunburns
• Fair skin, light hair or eye colour
• A personal or family history of skin cancer
• A large number of freckles or moles
• A suppressed immune system
• Advancing age

Because the nose receives constant sunlight, regular checks are important, particularly if you have had previous sun damage or skin cancer.

What Does Skin Cancer on the Nose Look Like?

Skin cancer can mimic harmless skin changes. Some lesions resemble a pimple, scar, sore or even a freckle, which is why they are easy to dismiss.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Look for any of the following on your nose:

• A sore that doesn’t heal or keeps returning
• A shiny, clear or pearly bump
• A pink nodule that may have tiny blood vessels
• Brown or black spots that appear suddenly
• A scar-like area that is firm, white or yellow
• Red, flaky or irritated patches that crust or itch
• Tenderness or pain in a spot
• A mole that changes in size, shape or colour
• A new growth or sunspot that wasn’t there before

When checking moles, the ABCDE rule can help. Look for asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation, a diameter larger than 6mm, and any evolving change. If you’re unsure, when a skin spot is dangerous explains what to look for.

Subtle Changes Matter

I’m trained to spot even subtle changes in skin texture, tone and pattern that might signal an early-stage cancer. Trust what you notice, even if the spot seems small.

Early Detection Matters

The sooner a suspicious lesion is identified and assessed, the simpler and more effective treatment can be. Leaving a lesion untreated increases the risk of more invasive procedures and visible scarring.

Tip: I recommend regular skin checks for everyone, particularly if you’ve had previous sun damage, fair skin, or a personal or family history of skin cancer.

How the Nose Is Checked

During a skin check, I use a dermatoscope to view skin structures in detail. This allows the detection of subtle changes that aren’t visible to the naked eye. The role of dermatoscopy in skin cancer detection explains how this supports accurate assessment.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

I don’t perform biopsies myself. If something suspicious is found, I’ll refer you to a medical practitioner who can perform a biopsy and guide the next steps in management.

Biopsy and Referral

A skin biopsy removes a small sample of the lesion and sends it to a pathology lab. This confirms whether the lesion is cancerous, what type it is, and whether further treatment is needed. What happens if a skin biopsy is positive explains the next steps.

Surgical Excision

If a biopsy confirms skin cancer on the nose, surgical excision is commonly recommended. It involves removing the lesion along with a margin of surrounding tissue to clear all abnormal cells. It is typically performed under local anaesthetic. Early treatment can help limit visible scarring.

Other Options for Superficial Cancers

Some early-stage or superficial cancers may be treated with:

• Cryotherapy, which freezes the lesion using liquid nitrogen
• Topical chemotherapy, using prescription creams that target abnormal cells in the outer layers of skin

Your treating practitioner will advise which option suits your lesion.

Protecting Your Nose From the Sun

Daily sunscreen is one of the simplest forms of protection. Use SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, and reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors.

Sunscreens sold in Australia are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and its guide to reading sunscreen labels explains what to look for.

Pair sunscreen with a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses that meet Australian Standards, and shade where you can.

The WA Department of Health’s How to be SunSmart guide covers more ways to protect yourself in the WA sun.

 Skin cancer on the face covers the other areas of the face that need attention.

Common Questions About Skin Cancer on the Nose

1. Is skin cancer on the nose serious? Most are found early and treated successfully. Some types, particularly melanoma, can spread, so any changing spot should be assessed.
2. Does skin cancer on the nose hurt? Often it doesn’t. Many skin cancers cause no pain, which is why visible change matters more than waiting for symptoms.
3. Can skin cancer on the nose spread? Basal cell carcinomas are unlikely to spread but can damage surrounding tissue. Squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas have a higher chance of spreading. Cancer Australia’s melanoma information covers melanoma in more detail.
4. Will treatment leave a scar? Some scarring is possible, and the size and location of the lesion affect the result. Early treatment can help limit scarring. Your treating practitioner can discuss what to expect.

Don’t Delay Your Skin Check

If you’ve noticed a spot, sore or skin change on your nose, or anywhere on your face or body, don’t wait for it to get worse. I welcome referrals and self-bookings for comprehensive skin cancer screening. If something needs further assessment, I’ll refer you to your GP or a specialist.

Book in for a professional skin check at Skin ChX Subiaco. What to expect during a skin check explains the process from start to finish.