Skin cancer on the feet is serious, often because it goes undetected until it has spread throughout the body.The earlier you can detect skin cancer, the better the chances it can be cured.
About 2 million Americans are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer every year!! Unfortunately, many more skin cancers go unnoticed. Don’t assume whatever you have is not skin cancer. Too many skin cancers look like normal, everyday problems.
Skin cancers on the feet can look like birthmarks, fungal toenails, or even ingrown toenails. Skin cancer under a toenail perfectly mimics a fungal infection of the nail and skin cancer next to a toenail looks just like an ingrown toenail. It can even hide between your toes – where the sun never goes!
May is “Skin Cancer Awareness Month,” so let’s not let skin cancer go unnoticed.
Make sure to look for changes in your skin and make sure you don’t forget to check the skin on your feet, your toenails, and between your toes.
Checking your feet regularly is very important in the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.
Most times, skin cancers of the feet are painless so make sure to check these warning signs.
Warning Signs:
- Frequent:
- Itching
- Cracking
- Bleeding
- Ulcerations
- Non-healing sores
- Bumps that crack and bleed
- Scaly areas
- Nodules with rolled edges
- Discoloration of the toenails
- Pigmented lesions of the skin
Catching skin cancer early is critical. So make sure you have any unusual skin or nail changes checked out quickly.
If you or anyone you know has any of these warning signs or if you have any questions, get in touch with your podiatrist! Local podiatrist Dr. Yavor Geshev at Hollowbrook Foot Specialist in Wappinger Falls can see anyone who would like to be tested or has a question. Regular visits to your podiatrist can help with early detection so make an appointment today!
By Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM, FACPM
