We don’t normally think of our feet as being susceptible to skin cancer since they don’t tend to get a lot of sun exposure, but cancer can affect your feet. Because it often goes unnoticed, the consequences can be deadly. Check your feet for lesions regularly and bring them to the attention of your foot care professional.
3 types of skin cancer that can affect the feet and ankles include the following:
Basal cell carcinoma—This type of cancer grows very slowly and may first appear as a pink or white bump with a waxy appearance. As this type of cancer grows, it may become encrusted and will tend to bleed. There is usually little or no pain associated with basal cell tumors.
Squamous cell carcinoma—The squamous cells are in the upper layer of the skin. When they are affected by skin cancer, a tell-tale sign is the appearance of a horn-like protrusion.
Malignant melanoma—Melanoma is a less common form of cancer, but since it grows inward and is hard to detect, it is the most deadly of skin cancers. The tumors can quickly extend into the circulatory system and spread the cancerous cells to other locations.
Always pay attention to any unusual swelling or abnormal growths on your feet and bring them to the attention of your foot doctor. Keep in mind that cancer can often look like other skin conditions and that catching skin cancer early is essential.
If you suspect that you may have a cancerous lesion on your foot, consult with the foot doctors at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. Our team of board certified podiatrists includes Greg Khaimov, DPM, FACFAS, Daniel Pollack, DPM, FACFAS, Walter Majdanski, DPM, AACFAS, Yakov Haimof, DPM, Mathew Yagudayev, DPM, AACFAS, and Kevin Jeong, DPM. The center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844 and schedule an appointment today!
