25/04/2022
Although it is not summer anymore, feet need to be checked.
While sun exposure is the leading cause for most skin cancers, skin cancers of the feet are more often related to viruses, exposure to chemicals, chronic inflammation or irritation, or inherited traits. Be sure to check your feet regularly, including in between your toes, for any noticeable changes. Skin cancers of the feet can present differently than skin cancers on other body part which is why it’s critical to seek treatment from a podiatrist.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
Podiatrists are uniquely trained as lower extremity specialists to recognize and treat abnormal conditions on the skin of the lower legs and feet. Skin cancers affecting the feet may have a very different appearance from those arising on the rest of the body. For this reason, a podiatrist's knowledge and clinical training is of extreme importance for patients for the early detection of both benign and malignant skin tumours.
Learn the ABCDs of melanoma. If you notice a mole, bump, or patch on the skin that meets any of the following criteria, see a podiatrist immediately:
• Asymmetry - If the lesion is divided in half, the sides don't match
• Borders - Borders look scalloped, uneven, or ragged.
• Colour - There may be more than one colour. These colours may have an uneven distribution.
• Diameter – The lesion is wider than a pencil eraser (greater than 6 mm).
To detect other types of skin cancer, look for spontaneous ulcers and non-healing sores, bumps that crack or bleed, nodules with rolled or “donut-shaped” edges, or scaly areas.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your podiatrist will investigate the possibility of skin cancer both through a clinical examination and with the use of a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is a simple procedure in which a small sample of the skin lesion is obtained and sent to a specialized laboratory where a skin pathologist will examine the tissue in greater detail. If a lesion is determined to be cancerous, your podiatrist will recommend the best course of treatment for your condition.
Prevention
Prevention of skin cancer on the feet and ankles is like any other body part. Limit sun exposure, and make sure to apply appropriate sunscreen when you are outdoors, and your feet and ankles are exposed.