The Baton Rouge Clinic and Skin Cancer: Tips for Prevention and Treatment
Closure Announcement for Independence Day
All of The Baton Rouge Clinic locations, except Urgent Care, will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in honor of Independence Day. Our Urgent Care will be open on 7/4 from 9am-5pm.
This content is courtesy of Mayo Clinic, the No. 1 hospital in the world according to Newsweek. The Baton Rouge Clinic is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. This relationship provides us with access to information, knowledge, and expertise from Mayo Clinic.
The Prevalence of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U. S., affecting millions worldwide. This cancer comes in two main types: melanoma, which is less common but more deadly, and nonmelanoma skin cancers, which include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
Dr. Collin Costello, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist, says that nonmelanoma skin cancers are more prevalent. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis is good. Both basal and squamous cell carcinoma are often slow-growing skin cancers, mostly caused by the sun. These cancers are predominantly found on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, scalp, neck, and ears.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a pink bump that slowly enlarges with time. Sometimes it can bleed, and it may be tender. It’s typically found on sun-exposed areas in sunburn-prone individuals. However, in those with darker skin tones, it can appear on sun-protected areas, including the genitals or toes. “Sometimes they can get painful and ulcerated or be almost like a nonhealing wound,” Dr. Costello says. The majority of the time, both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are treated with Mohs surgery, particularly when it’s on the face, scalp, and neck.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma often appears as a scaly or crusted growth that doesn’t heal properly. It can also look like a wart or an open sore. Squamous cell carcinoma is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas, such as the ears, face, scalp, neck, and hands. In some cases, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, which is why it’s important to seek prompt treatment.
Preventing Skin Cancer
One of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. You can do this by:
- Wearing protective clothing, including hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- Seeking shade during peak sun hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It’s also important to avoid tanning beds, which can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Conclusion
The Baton Rouge Clinic, in partnership with Mayo Clinic, is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare resources and expertise to our patients. By taking steps to protect your skin from the sun and seeking prompt medical attention for any suspicious growths, you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and increase your chances of a positive outcome if you are diagnosed.
Originally Post From https://batonrougeclinic.com/common-types-of-skin-cancer/
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