You don’t have to be a sunbather in order to deal with skin cancer. While there are indeed certain risk factors that can predispose you to this condition, skin cancer can affect anyone. Consequently, it’s important to know what to look for when it comes to suspicious growths and potential skin cancer so that you may visit one of our dermatologists in Baton Rouge or Prairieville, LA, Dr. William Massengale, Dr. Jessica LeBlanc, and Dr. Ashley Record, before the condition has a chance to grow.

Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

Cancerous lumps are most often red and hard, while cancerous patches are generally scaly and flat. Although skin cancer can develop just about anywhere on the body, it is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, shoulder, chest, and back.

Other symptoms include,

• Very dark moles
• Moles that contain multiple colors
• Moles that change size, shape or appearance
• Moles or lumps that bleed or scab over
• Waxy bumps
• Any new lumps or growths
• Moles that have poorly defined or blurry borders

By monitoring your skin every month, you’ll be better equipped to pinpoint any changes and possibly catch skin cancer early on when it’s much easier to treat. It’s also important to visit your skin doctors in Baton Rouge and Prairieville, LA, for annual skin cancer screenings. Even if you aren’t at a high risk for developing skin cancer, everyone can benefit from these simple, comprehensive screenings.

Risk factors for skin cancer include,

• Exposure to ultraviolet light (e.g. tanning beds or lying outside)
• Having had sunburns in the past
• Having fair features (e.g. light skin, blonde or red hair, blue or green eyes, etc.)
• A family history of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer
• Age
• Compromised immune system
• Smoking

Concerned? Give us a call

When was the last time you received a skin cancer screening? If you don’t remember, then it’s time to call Atlas Dermatology today to schedule a checkup. Dial (225) 313-4560 today to schedule an appointment at either of our offices in Baton Rouge or Prairieville, LA. This simple screening could just save your life!