Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 23, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for a 2.5 cm Flesh-Colored Nodule on the Nose

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer and often presents as a flesh-colored or pink nodule, especially on sun-exposed areas like the nose. Its slow growth and common location make it a prime consideration.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Another form of skin cancer that can appear as a firm, red nodule. It's less common than BCC but still a significant consideration, especially given the location on the nose.
  • Keratoacanthoma: A low-grade, or sometimes considered benign, tumor that resembles SCC but tends to have a more rapid growth phase followed by possible involution. It can appear similar to SCC or BCC.
  • Dermatofibroma: A benign skin growth that can appear as a firm, flesh-colored nodule, often resulting from minor injury, but less likely given the size and specific location on the nose.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A rare but highly aggressive skin cancer that can present as a firm, flesh-colored nodule. Given its potential for rapid growth and metastasis, it's crucial not to miss this diagnosis.
  • Melanoma: Although less likely given the description of the nodule as flesh-colored, amelanotic melanoma (a type of melanoma without pigment) can present in this manner. Missing a melanoma diagnosis can have severe consequences.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Trichoepithelioma: A rare, benign tumor of hair follicle origin that can appear as a firm nodule on the face, including the nose.
  • Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma: A rare, slow-growing tumor that originates in the sweat glands and can appear as a firm, flesh-colored nodule, often on the face.
  • Metastatic Carcinoma: Rarely, a metastasis from another primary cancer can present as a skin nodule, although this would be an unusual first presentation for most metastatic diseases.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.