An Analysis of the Diagnostic Age of Skin Carcinomas Across Central Texas

Authors

• Miguel Lopez, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Natasha N. Quailes, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Elias Arellano, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Hamaad Gohar, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
• Maria Villegas, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley=Follow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Abstract

Skin cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies in the United States, with outcomes often influenced by access to dermatologic care and early detection. This study aimed to evaluate whether geographic differences in access to dermatologic services across Texas influence the mean age at diagnosis of skin carcinomas. Using data from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) from 1995–2019, we compared diagnostic age across three primary regions: Bexar County, Central Texas (Bexar and surrounding counties), and the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), as well as the remainder of Texas (ROT). Analyses were conducted for both Spanish Hispanic-Latino (SHL) and non-Spanish-Hispanic-Latino (nSHL) populations. Statistical comparisons were performed using Welch’s two-sample t-tests. Results demonstrated no statistically significant differences in mean diagnostic age between any of the regions analyzed, including comparisons between Central Texas and the RGV. These findings suggest that increased dermatologist density in certain regions may not translate into earlier diagnosis for less common skin carcinomas. Further research is needed to evaluate additional factors such as healthcare utilization, socioeconomic status, and referral patterns.

Recommended Citation

Lopez, Miguel; Quailes, Natasha N.; Arellano, Elias; Gohar, Hamaad; and Villegas, Maria, "An Analysis of the Diagnostic Age of Skin Carcinomas Across Central Texas" (2025). MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years. 98.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/som9331/98

Academic Level

medical student