Skin cancers such as squamous and basal cell carcinoma most often develop on areas of skin exposed to the sun. Common sites are the nose, cheeks, forehead, and lips. As with all types of skin cancer, early detection gives you the best chance of successful treatment. Keep reading to learn about the signs and symptoms of skin cancer on the face. Plus, see photos of skin cancer on the face—to help you to know what exactly you’re looking for.
The most common type of skin cancer is non-melanoma skin cancer. Now called keratinocyte cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most widespread. These skin cancers usually occur on areas of the body often exposed to the sun—such as the face and neck.
Basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 70% of keratinocyte cancers. Common sites for basal cell carcinoma on the face are the nose, cheeks, forehead, nasolabial folds (the creases running from either side of your nose to the corners of your mouth), and eyelids. While it tends to grow slowly, if undetected it can grow deep into the skin, making treatment more difficult.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It accounts for around 30% of keratinocyte skin cancers. Frequently sun-exposed areas such as the lips and ears are especially likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma. If undetected, squamous cell carcinoma may spread to other parts of the body.
It’s worth knowing that most squamous cell carcinomas begin as an actinic keratosis.This is a precancerous spot that forms on sun-damaged skin. It appears as a rough dry, scaly patch of skin. If detected, it can be treated to prevent it from progressing into squamous cell carcinoma.
Melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer. While it only accounts for around 3% of all skin cancer diagnoses, it is the most deadly. Like keratinocyte skin cancer, it most often develops on areas of skin that have been exposed to the sun. Common sites for melanoma skin cancer on the face and head are the cheek, neck and ear.
Cancerous skin lesions on the face can develop from existing moles or appear as a new spot. Symptoms of skin cancer on the face depend on the type of skin cancer. Signs of keratinocyte cancer on the face may include:
Melanoma typically appears on the trunk in men and legs in women, but it can also occur on the face. Here are some of the signs to look for.
A key sign of melanoma skin cancer on the face is a mole or spot that’s:
Sore—scaly, itchy, or bleeding)
Changing—in size, shape, or colour
Abnormal—looks or feels different. Or simply stands out from other moles
New—wasn’t there before
Take a look at these pictures of melanoma skin cancer on the face.
If found quickly, skin cancer on the face is highly treatable. Here are some common treatment options.
Surgery is a common skin cancer treatment. The cancerous lesion and some of the surrounding healthy tissue is removed, usually under local anaesthetic.
Some skin cancers can be treated with topical medications. These creams and ointments, typically applied daily for several weeks, destroy the cancerous cells without harming healthy cells.
Pre-cancerous lesions and some small basal and squamous cell carcinomas may be treated with cryotherapy. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion to freeze and kill abnormal skin cancer cells and create a wound. This promotes the formation of new, healthy skin cells.
PDT is a specialised light treatment to treat superficial skin cancers: basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and generalised sun damaged skin. A topical medication is applied to affected areas. When exposed to special light the medication is activated, triggering an immune response in the skin and attacking the abnormal cells.
If left untreated, basal and squamous cell skin cancer can grow and become disfiguring. In rare cases, it can spread to other parts of the body. The good news is… if detected early, there’s a high chance that squamous and basal cell carcinoma can be successfully treated. Likewise, while melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer, the five-year survival rate for localised (no signs of spreading) melanoma is 99%+.
It’s important to take all possible signs of skin cancer seriously. If you notice a new or changing mole or spot, have it checked out quickly.
The biggest risk factor for skin cancer on the face, neck and head is sun exposure. Avoiding the sun is the simplest way to reduce your risk for skin cancers on the face (and elsewhere on your body!).
Even when not actively enjoying the sunshine, it’s likely your face is being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Help prevent skin cancer by wearing face sunscreen daily. Yes, even in winter.
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection (against wrinkles too!). Ultimately, the best sunscreen for your face is one that you like the feel of and will apply. (Don’t forget your ears, neck and lips too.)
Beyond sunscreen, you can protect your face and head from skin cancer by:
Keep your skin safe by regularly checking yourself for new moles or changes to existing ones. If you notice anything suspicious, don’t delay, get a professional skin check.
Haven’t had a skin check in a while? Compare all MoleMap services and book your skin check today.
