What should you know about Mohs surgery for skin cancer on the nose?

The nose contains thin skin, curves and structures that help shape the face and support airflow. Mohs removes the cancer in mapped layers and examines the edges as treatment proceeds. Once the margins are clear, the surgeon assesses the defect and chooses closure, a local flap, a skin graft or another reconstruction. The repair depends on the tumour’s size, depth and exact position, not only on its appearance from the outside.

Nasal skin cancers are often [Basal Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/) or [Squamous Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/). Standard [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) may also be appropriate.

Ask whether the lesion has been biopsied and bring the pathology information. Tell the team about previous nasal surgery, breathing problems, allergies, medicines and smoking. Clarify where the wound will be, whether reconstruction happens the same day, how to protect the dressing and when normal activities can resume. Arrange transport if medication or the extent of repair could affect you afterward.

A crust that repeatedly returns, a sore that does not heal, or a spot that bleeds should be examined. After surgery, seek prompt advice for persistent bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, fever, foul drainage, spreading redness, wound separation or a change in nasal airflow. Emergency help is needed for breathing difficulty or swelling affecting the eyes.

How close is the tumour to the nostril or other nasal structures? What repair do you expect if more tissue is removed? Will the procedure affect breathing? What dressing care and scar care will be needed? When should the wound and the rest of my skin be checked?