Skin cancer on the face, ear and lip
Skin cancer most often develops on the face, the ears and the lips, because these areas get a lot of sun. Here you can read about the symptoms, how to protect yourself, and how skin cancer is treated in these areas.
Medically reviewed by Martin Glud, consultant and specialist in dermatology, PhD
Updated 9 November 2026
Look out for
Sores that don't heal
Especially on the face – or a lump that bleeds or weeps.
Red, scaly patches
Changes in the skin that don't go away.
A pearly lump
A shiny, slightly translucent lump, usually on the face.
The face
Skin cancer on the face
The symptoms of skin cancer on the face are small sores that don't heal, red, scaly changes that don't go away, and pearly lumps. Skin cancer often appears around the nose and eyes.
If you want to prevent skin cancer, or if you have already had skin cancer on your face, take extra care in the sun. You can still spend time outdoors as usual, but seek shade between 12:00 and 15:00, and wear a sun hat and sunscreen.
See pictures of skin cancerThe ear
Skin cancer on the ear
The ears get a lot of sun and are often forgotten when putting on sunscreen. A sore on the ear that won't heal should be examined by a doctor. Squamous cell carcinoma on the ear can spread in the body, so it is important to act in time.
Skin cancer on the ear does not cause you to lose your hearing. If you do notice that your hearing is getting worse, see an ear specialist, who can examine the inside of your ear and find the cause.
If you want to prevent skin cancer, or if you have already had skin cancer on your ear, take extra care in the sun and remember to put sunscreen on your ears.
The lip
Skin cancer on the lip
The most common symptom of skin cancer on the lip is a sore that won't heal. Skin cancer on the lip is often caused by sunlight, for example in people who work outdoors.
Squamous cell carcinoma on the lip can spread in the body. If you have a sore or a patch on your lip that doesn't go away, have it examined by a doctor.
Protect your lips with a lip balm with SPF – both to prevent skin cancer and if you have already had skin cancer on your lip.
Treatment
Treatment of skin cancer on the face
Skin cancer on the face, ear and lip can be treated in several ways. Scraping (curettage) and creams are mainly used for low-risk tumours. Surgery such as Mohs surgery gives the greatest certainty that all of the cancer has been removed, and therefore the lowest risk of recurrence.
Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment for skin cancer on the face, ear and lip. It gives the safest result, both in removing the cancer and in achieving a good cosmetic result. With Mohs surgery, we remove up to 40% less tissue than with standard surgery, so the scar is as small as possible.
Skin Cancer Clinic is the only private clinic in Denmark that treats skin cancer with Mohs surgery.
The vast majority of people make a full recovery. But if you have had skin cancer on your face, ear or lip, you are at greater risk of getting skin cancer again. That is why it is a good idea to have your skin checked regularly, for example with a full-body skin check.
Read about Mohs surgery
Private clinic
Unsure about a spot?
As a private clinic, we can offer short waiting times, and you don't need a referral. A specialist can look at a single spot or examine all of your skin.