Skin Cancer on the NoseSkin Cancer on the Nose First Signs Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers. Since the nose is a prominent feature of the face, cancer on the nose is also quite common. It is often the result of sun exposure. It is not only a life time accumulation of sun exposure that can result in skin cancer. A one time bad sunburn can cause skin cancer also. The first sign of skin cancer on the nose would be a change in a growth on the nose such as a mole or birthmark. The appearance of a growth where none has been before is also an indicator. The growth may appear pearly white or flesh colored. Specifically, the changes should have occurred within the time span of a month or less. Changes which occur rapidly over a period of a few weeks are an indicator of skin cancer. As the cancer spreads it will become painful. General symptoms which accompany cancer on the nose include swollen lymph glands, weight loss, headache, seizures, chronic cough, and gray skin. Proper evaluation of the growth on the nose is critical. Cancerous lesions will follow the ABCD guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society. A - stands for asymmetry which means the growth is not perfectly round. One half does not look like the other half. B - stands for border irregularity which means the edges of the growth are uneven and ragged. C - stands for color because the pigmentation of a cancerous growth is not consistent. The growth will be varying shades of brown and black with streaks of blue, red or white. D - stands for diameter which means the growth is getting larger or it has reached a size of at least 6mm. Skin cancer on the nose may present as a growth that bleeds, is scaly, or oozes. The growth may tingle, burn, or itch. The skin next to the cancerous growth may swell or become red. The sore may bleed easily and not heal. The lesion may look like a scar even though an injury to your nose did not occur. The cancerous growth may be flat, slightly elevated or have a depressed center. If any of these symptoms are observed it is important to see a physician immediately to check for skin cancer. The first signs of cancer on the nose are easy to overlook. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun you should check your skin often, especially the skin on your face and nose. The earlier the cancer is detected, the easier it can be removed plus there is less risk of metastasis. Your doctor will examine the growth on your nose against the ABCD guidelines to determine if it looks suspicious. If it does, he will perform a skin biopsy to confirm if it is skin cancer. If it does turn out that you have skin cancer on the nose, the doctor will treat you by removing the growth. If the cancer has spread, radiation therapy or chemotherapy might be indicated. That is why it is so important to be on watch for the first signs of skin cancer on the nose. If caught early, it can be successfully treated by simply cutting the growth out.
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