Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Nose: What Everybody Ought to Know

Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Nose: What Everybody Ought to Know
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What is basal cell carcinoma on the nose and why should individuals be concerned? According to information from the Skin Cancer Foundation: “Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting approximately one million Americans each year.” To bring it into focus, consider this statement by Drs. Stulberg, Crandell, and Fawcett in their American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) article, “Primary care physicians can expect to diagnose six to seven cases of basal cell carcinoma and one to two cases of squamous cell carcinoma each year.” That means, in the United States alone, every physician will probably make this number of diagnoses every year.

With more and more individuals being diagnosed with this type of cancer, questions about diagnosis and treatment options are common. While the preferred treatment is prevention - avoiding excessive sun exposure or tanning beds - early detection and treatment offers the best prognosis for basal cell carcinoma.

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma and Who is at Risk?

This cancer is typically caused by excessive sun exposure on body parts such as hands, and face – especially noses and ears. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s information indicates that individuals with fair skin are in a high risk category, as are those who are employed in industries whose primary work environment is outdoors, or those whose genetic makeup includes blue, green, or gray eyes.

Fortunately, basal cell carcinoma is treatable and the earlier the treatment, the better the odds of the cancer being eradicated completely. There is a small risk of basal cell carcinoma on the nose recurring, but regular self-examinations and professional care minimizes that risk.

What are Some Warning Signs of BCC?

Here are some things to watch for when performing skin self-examinations. While any or all of these warnings signs could be the beginnings of basal cell carcinoma, only a qualified health professional can make that determination. According to Drs. Stulberg, Crandell, and Fawcett (AAFP), “The hallmark of basal cell carcinoma is a waxy, translucent, or pearly appearance.” Here are some symptoms of basal cell carcinoma to watch for:

  • Open sores that do not heal quickly
  • Reddish patches of skin or pinkish crusty growths
  • Shiny nodules that are pearly, pink, red, white, or brown
  • Scar tissue where the skin is shiny or taut in appearance

Here are some images of basal cell carcinoma lesions.

Treatment Options for Basal Cell Carcinoma

The method of treatment for basal cell carcinoma depends on factors like the size and location of the lesion, and the results of any biopsies for malignancy. Here is a link of some of the treatment options used to treat this type of cancer:

  • Full-thickness surgical excision – the lesion is surgically removed.
  • Cryotherapy – the lesion is alternatively frozen and thawed and then removed.
  • Electro-dessication and cautery – the tumor is removed by a scraping and burning process.
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) – treatment uses aminolevulinic acid and a halogen lamp.
  • Laser or radio therapy – destroys the tissue
  • Skin cancer drugs like 5-fluorouracil - applied topically or by injection
  • Mohs surgery – the tumor is removed gradually in small layers until all the suspected cancer is removed

Although still in the research stages and not approved for use by the FDA (U. S. Food and Drug Association) as of the writing of this article, treatment efficacy has been shown with Imiquimod.

While basal cell carcinoma is prevalent, it is also treatable with early detection and intervention. Individuals who notice any questionable wounds or skin lesions should consult a health care professional promptly. Prompt diagnosis, usually by means of either a shave or punch biopsy, leads to quick treatment and lowers the risk of any recurrence of basal cell carcinoma on the nose. For more information on skin cancer, please read “Five Signs of Skin Cancer.”

Reference Sources

Skin Cancer Foundation, “Basal Cell Carcinoma, the Most Common Skin Cancer,”accessed 06/16/2010

American Academy of Family Physicans (AAFP), Daniel L. Stulberg, M.D., Blain Crandell, M.D., and Robert S. Fawcett, M.D., M.S., “Diagnosis and Treatment of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas,” 10/2004, accessed 06/18/2010