Nasal skin cancer:hazard to a uniquely exposed structure

The nose is one of the most common sites of malignancy on the face, probably because of its unique position of exposure to environmental damage. By far the most common type of nasal tumor is basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is less common but considerably more aggressive, with a tendency to fast growth and metastasis. Tumors of either type are more likely to invade easily and resist treatment if they are in certain "danger zones." Nasal skin cancer in general has a relatively good prognosis, regardless of the type of treatment selected, ie, surgery, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, or electrodesiccation and curretage. However, tumors that are not eradicated have a long history of recurrences before proving fatal. When ablative surgery is performed, some type of reconstructive procedure is usually necessary.