Common Signs of Skin Cancer on the Nose, Ears, and Throat

Face/Neck Skin Cancer Risk | Early Signs | Checking Yourself | When to See a Doctor | Choosing UV Protection

Have you ever noticed a stubborn spot on your nose that just won’t heal? Or maybe a patch on your ear that seems to change every time you look at it? These small things are easy to brush off—but they could be signs of something more serious.

Skin cancer on the nose, ears, and throat is more common than many families realize. These areas are exposed to sunlight every day, yet they’re often forgotten when it comes to sunscreen and skin checks. Let’s walk through what you need to know, what to watch for, and when to seek care for your family.

Why the Nose, Ears, and Throat Are Skin Cancer Hotspots

The nose, ears, and throat (especially the outer throat and neck) are some of the most sun-exposed parts of the body. Unfortunately, they’re also areas that many people forget to protect with sunscreen or check regularly.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), about 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and sun exposure is the leading cause. Since your nose and ears stick out more than other areas, they’re prime targets for harmful UV rays—especially in children, outdoor workers, and older adults.

Early Signs of Skin Cancer to Watch For

Skin cancer doesn’t always show up as a scary-looking mole. In fact, some of the most common signs of skin cancer are easy to overlook. Watch for:

A sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks
Scaly or crusty patches that bleed or itch
Red, irritated areas that feel rough to the touch
Shiny or pearly bumps, especially on the nose or outer ears
Changes in moles or spots, like uneven borders, new colors, or growth

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—two of the most common types of skin cancer—often show up in these areas and tend to look like persistent sores or flaky bumps.

If you or a loved one notices something that seems “off,” it’s worth checking out. Trust your instincts—early detection can save lives. Regular home skin exams using the ABCDEs and the "ugly duckling" rule can help catch skin cancer early.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Be alert for moles or spots exhibiting any of these features:

Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.
Border irregularity: Edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color variation: Uneven shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.
Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or any new symptom like bleeding, itching, or crusting.

The "Ugly Duckling" Rule

Most of your moles likely look similar. Be suspicious of any spot that looks significantly different in size, shape, color, or texture compared to your others – it's the "ugly duckling" that warrants closer attention.

When to See a Doctor

It’s time to visit a provider if:

A spot has not healed in 3–4 weeks
You notice rapid changes in shape, size, or color
A mole or patch becomes painful, itchy, or starts bleeding
You feel a lump or thickening under the skin near the jaw, neck, or behind the ear

ENT specialists are trained to evaluate unusual lesions on the face, scalp, neck, and ears. If something looks suspicious, we can help with an exam and, if needed, guide you to the next steps—like a skin biopsy or dermatology referral.

Choosing UV Protection

With so many sunscreen options on the shelves, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. Here’s what to look for when picking UV protection:

Broad-spectrum: Always choose sunscreen labeled "broad-spectrum" to protect against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
SPF 30 or higher: Dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30 for everyday use. For long outdoor days, SPF 50 is even better.
Water-resistant: Especially important for beach days, pool time, or kids who are constantly on the move.
Mineral-based for sensitive skin: Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—these sit on top of the skin and are less likely to cause irritation, making them great for babies and those with allergies.

Preventing skin cancer doesn’t mean staying indoors—it means being smart about sun safety. When applying sunscreen, be sure to reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming/sweating. Don’t forget noses, ears, lips, and necks—they’re often skipped. For added protection, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are a great option.

According to the CDC, daily use of SPF 15 or higher can reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and melanoma by 50%.

Schedule a Consultation with an ENT Specialist

Unsure about your symptoms? Allow us to help. If you’ve noticed any changes on the nose, ears, or throat—or if you just want peace of mind—reach out to our clinic today.

Address: 3911 Hollywood Blvd#201, Hollywood, FL 33021, United States

Phone: 754-888-1368

Email: info@entfamily.com

Schedule Appointment

References

American Academy of Dermatology, (2025). Skin Cancer Statistics. AAD. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen

Gaudy-Marqueste C, Wazaefi Y, Bruneu Y, et al. Ugly Duckling Sign as a Major Factor of Efficiency in Melanoma Detection. JAMA Dermatol. 2017;153(4):279–284. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.5500

US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (n.d.) Skin Cancer Awareness. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/features/skin-cancer.html