Found this sore on my mom’s nose that bleeds and scabs but just won’t heal. The clinic is fully booked and I’m scared it might be something bad. Any ideas what this is?

A sore that bleeds, scabs, and refuses to heal, especially on the nose, should be taken seriously as it could be a sign of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The nose is a common site for skin cancers because it is often exposed to sunlight, a major risk factor for BCC.

Lesions that persist for more than four weeks, bleed easily, or change in appearance are particularly concerning. While not all sores are cancerous, the persistence and location on the face increase the need for a professional evaluation to rule out malignancy and begin appropriate treatment if necessary.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of non-melanoma skin cancers. It arises from the basal cells, which are found in the lowest layer of the epidermis, and often develops on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, and shoulders.