By Skin ChX Subiaco
Why the Nose is Vulnerable to Sun Damage
The nose is one of the most common areas to suffer sunburn, and it’s easy to see why. It protrudes prominently from the face, often slipping past the protection of hats and sunglasses, and it bears the brunt of our frequent exposure to the Western Australian sun. Over time, this adds up to significant UV damage, which is the leading cause of skin cancer.
At Skin ChX Subiaco, we regularly see patients with concerns about changes on their nose, from persistent sores to new growths that just don’t look or feel right. Given how visible this area is, both medically and cosmetically, it’s natural to be concerned about how treatment might affect your appearance.
The reassuring news is that early detection can significantly reduce the risk of complex procedures or permanent scarring, and that’s exactly where we come in.
What Types of Skin Cancer Affect the Nose?
The most common types of skin cancer found on the nose are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), both classified as non-melanoma skin cancers (also called keratinocyte cancers). BCC, in particular, frequently appears on the nose due to its sun-exposed position. While BCC tends to grow slowly and is unlikely to spread, it can still damage surrounding tissue if not addressed early.
Other possible types of skin cancer on the nose include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanoma (less common but more aggressive)
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer on the Nose
- Cumulative UV exposure or frequent sunburns
- Fair skin, light hair or eye colour
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- Large number of freckles or moles
- A suppressed immune system
- Advancing age
Given the nose’s constant exposure to sunlight, it’s also a location with a high rate of recurrence, meaning regular checks are critical.
How Common Is It?
Skin cancer on the nose is extremely common in Australia. The sun’s intense UV radiation, especially in WA, makes us more vulnerable. Even high-profile Australians like Hugh Jackman have had skin cancers removed from their noses, bringing attention to how widespread and indiscriminate it can be.
Recognising Skin Cancer on the Nose
Because skin cancer can mimic harmless skin changes, it’s important to know what to look for. Some lesions may resemble a pimple, scar, sore, or even a freckle, making them easy to dismiss.
9 Warning Signs to Watch For
- 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’s 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
At Skin ChX Subiaco, we’re trained to spot even subtle changes in skin texture, tone, and pattern that might signal an early-stage cancer.
Early Detection Saves Noses
The sooner a suspicious lesion is identified and diagnosed, the simpler and more effective treatment can be. Leaving a lesion untreated increases the risk of more invasive procedures and visible scarring.
We recommend regular skin checks for all patients, particularly if you’ve had previous sun damage, fair skin, or a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
If something suspicious is identified during your skin check at Skin ChX Subiaco, I do not perform biopsies myself. However, if I suspect a malignant lesion, I will provide you with a referral to a trusted skin cancer doctor who can perform a biopsy and guide the next steps in management.
A skin biopsy is a simple procedure where a small sample of the lesion is removed and sent to a pathology lab for analysis. This is essential to confirm whether the lesion is cancerous, and if so, what type it is and whether further treatment is needed.
If the biopsy confirms skin cancer on the nose, the most common and effective treatment is usually surgical excision.
This involves removing the cancerous lesion along with a margin of surrounding tissue to ensure all abnormal cells are cleared. It is typically performed under local anaesthetic and often leaves minimal scarring when treated early.
Other Options for Early-Stage or Superficial Cancers
- Cryotherapy (freezing the lesion using liquid nitrogen)
- Topical chemotherapy (prescription creams that target abnormal cells in the outer layers of skin)
At Skin ChX Subiaco, I will always explain your results clearly, answer any questions, and support you through the referral process. If treatment is required, I can help connect you with experienced skin cancer practitioners who specialise in managing facial lesions with precision and care.
Don’t Delay Your Skin Check
Skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when found early. If you’ve noticed a spot, sore, or skin change on your nose (or anywhere on your body like your face), don’t wait for it to get worse. Book in for a professional skin check at Skin ChX Subiaco.
Your skin tells a story, and we’re here to help make sure it’s a healthy one.
Skin ChX Subiaco Helping Western Australians stay ahead of skin cancer
Book now at https://skinchx.com.au