Cancer of the Skin of the Nose

Abstract

In 456 cases of cancer of the skin of the nose there was an even distribution in the sexes with the highest incidence occurring in the fifth and sixth decades. Basal cell cancer comprised 87%, occurring predominantly on the ala, tip and root; squamous cell cancer, more common on the lateral borders and columella, occurred in 10.7% of the cases. Previous exposure to irradiation was the most pernicious etiological factor. Fifty-one percent had been previously treated inadequately and presented with a recurrence. Metastases developed in 0.25% of the basal cell cancers and in 18.5% of the squamous cell cancers. Nine percent had recurrence after definitive treatment. Treatment was predominantly surgical excision, but irradiation, electrodesiccation and combinations of these with chemosurgery were also used. One patient with basal cell, five with squamous cell and one with sweat gland tumor died as a result of carcinoma of the skin of the nose. Another small group, previously exposed to full face irradiation, became chronic producers of recurrent cancer of the skin of the face (and nose); eight of these patients died as a result of cancer of the skin of the face.