The most common types of skin cancer that appear on the nose are basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma. The nose is a common location for skin cancer to develop, because it gets more sun compared to other parts of the body. 

Skin cancer on the nose may begin as something as subtle as a red spot on the nose that won’t go away, a flat patch that looks harmless, or scabs that form repeatedly in the same place.

Beginning Signs of Skin Cancer on the Nose

Skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body. When it shows up on the surface of the nose, skin cancer can often be mistaken for a pimple, a mole, a rash, or a bug bite. Unlike a pimple or bug bite, though, a skin cancer spot doesn’t heal or go away on its own. Signs of basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer include: 

• Reddish patches on your nose that may itch
• Small bumps that are translucent and shiny and have black, blue, or brown areas 
• Scar-like areas that are flat and firm, as well as pale or yellow 
• Open sores that may bleed but never heal and always come back 
• Pink growths with raised edges and visible blood vessels that look like wheel spokes 

You may also notice a flat red spot on the nose that doesn’t go away, or small scabs that repeatedly form and heal. These are often early signs of skin cancer.

The most telling sign of melanoma is a new or pre-existing spot on the skin that’s actively changing in color, shape, and size. These spots stand out because they usually look different from the other spots on the skin. 

Risk Factors for Developing Skin Cancer on the Nose

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most significant risk factor for developing skin cancer on the nose. Over time, UV rays damage your skin and can cause skin cancer, especially on areas like your face and head. Tanning beds, tanning booths, and sunlamps can also cause cancer and should be avoided, particularly if any of the following apply to you: 

• You have light-colored hair and fair or freckled skin 
• You have a lot of moles or irregularly shaped moles
• You burn easily or have had sunburns in the past
• You or other members of your family have a history of skin cancer
• You’ve been diagnosed with precancerous skin conditions, such as actinic keratoses or Bowen’s disease
• Certain medications or diseases have weakened your immune system 
• You’ve been diagnosed with xeroderma pigmentosum — a rare, inherited condition that doesn’t allow skin cells to repair DNA damage caused by sun exposure 
• You’ve been diagnosed with another inherited condition, such as Rombo syndrome, Bazex-Dupré-Christol syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa simplex syndrome, and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome) 

How to Prevent Skin Cancer on the Nose

The easiest way to prevent skin cancer on the nose and other parts of your body is to protect your skin when going outside. Don’t use tanning beds, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Contrary to popular misinformation, they’re not safer than the sun and also cause skin cancer. Before going outside, check the UV Index. If the UV rating is higher than a 3, take the following precautions to protect yourself: 

• Stay out of the sun as much as you can. 
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SFP) of 30 or higher. Be sure to reapply after about two hours, especially if you’re going swimming. 
• Protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Another important way to prevent skin cancer is by checking your skin for any bumps, new moles, redness, or unusual growths. Note anything that looks strange and address it with your dermatologist at your routine screenings. 

Skin Cancer on the Nose: Diagnosis & Treatment 

If your dermatologist finds an abnormal area on your nose, they’ll likely biopsy it to check for skin cancer. In many cases, the entire skin cancer area is removed during a biopsy, effectively treating the skin cancer. 

If you notice a red patch on the nose that keeps returning or a sore that won’t heal, it’s essential to have it checked—even if it looks minor.

If further treatment is needed, a doctor may recommend the following options: 

• Surgery: Mohs surgery is a procedure that removes skin cancer by cutting it out. The pieces of skin and tissue that are removed are examined for cancer cells until the skin cancer area has been fully removed. Reconstructive surgery is often needed as a follow-up to Mohs surgery, especially for procedures that are performed on the face. 
• Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy: Image-Guided SRT is a type of radiotherapy that uses low-energy X-rays to shrink common skin cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer. Because this treatment uses ultrasound images, Image-Guided SRT actually shows the skin cancer area disappearing until it’s gone. This form of treatment requires no cutting or surgery, so there’s no wound care after the skin cancer has been removed.

Other forms of treatment for skin cancer on the nose can include immunotherapy, cryotherapy, 

topical chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and immune response modifiers. The right treatment for your case depends on the skin cancer type and the size of the skin cancer area. One type of skin cancer treatment may be recommended, or a case may require a combination of different treatments. 

FAQ: Skin Cancer on the Nose (accordion)

What does skin cancer on the nose look like?

On the nose, skin cancer typically presents as:

• A shiny, pearly bump or nodule, sometimes with visible tiny blood vessels
• A persistent open sore that bleeds, oozes, crusts, or fails to heal
• A reddish or irritated patch that may crust, itch, or ulcerate
• A scar‑like flat area, pale or waxy in color, often with poorly defined edges

Can a red spot on my nose be a cancer?

Yes. A new or persistent red spot on the nose—even if flat—can signal early skin cancer, especially if it changes in size, shape, or color over time. Such lesions should be examined by a dermatologist.

What are the early signs of skin cancer on the nose?

Look for:

• A pink or red patch that develops crusting or bleeding
• A persistent sore that doesn’t heal or resurfaces in the same place
• A rough, scaly patch or spot that persists or worsens
• A slightly raised or flat lesion that evolves over time

Is a scab on the outside of my nose a sign of cancer?

It can be. Recurring scabs or sores in sun‑exposed areas like the nose—particularly those that do not fully heal—are common warning signs of basal or squamous cell skin cancer.

How can I tell the difference between a pimple and skin cancer on the nose?

Consider these red flags:

• A “pimple” that lasts for weeks, bleeds, crusts, or scars
• Unusual shape or color, especially if it doesn’t resolve or worsens
• Lesions that persist despite acne treatments should be evaluated by a professional

Can skin cancer on the nose be flat?

Yes. Some skin cancers—especially early basal cell skin cancers or squamous patches—may appear as flat red or slightly raised lesions, sometimes resembling dry skin or faint scars.

Do red patches or bumps on my nose mean melanoma?

Not necessarily. While melanoma can occur on the nose, most red or pink spots in this area are basal or squamous cell skin cancers. However, any spot that grows, changes color, bleeds, or behaves unusually should be checked.

What causes skin cancer to form on the nose?

The nose is one of the most sun-exposed parts of the face and receives high levels of ultraviolet (UV) light. Prolonged sun exposure significantly increases the risk of developing basal or squamous cell skin cancer in this area.

Should I worry about a spot on my nose that keeps coming back?

Yes. A lesion that appears to heal but returns in the same location is a red flag. Persistent or recurring marks on the nose should be evaluated, and a biopsy may be required to confirm a diagnosis.

What is the most common type of skin cancer found on the nose?

Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer found on the nose, followed by squamous cell skin cancer . Melanoma is less common but more aggressive and can also occur on the nose.

Learn More About Skin Cancer Treatment with GentleCure™

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer on your nose, GentleCure™ (which utilizes Image-Guided SRT)  is surgery-free skin cancer treatment that won’t prevent you from doing the things you love.. To learn more about GentleCure™, contact our skin cancer information specialists online or by phone. Find the practices closest to you where GentleCure is available.