Skin Cancers of the Feet: the Role of Today's Podiatrist in Detection And

THE ROLE OF TODAY’S LEARN THE ABCDs OF PODIATRIST IN THE MELANOMA: DETECTION AND Here are some common attributes of MANAGEMENT OF SKIN cancerous lesions: DISEASE „ Asymmetry - If divided in half, the Podiatrists are uniquely trained as lower sides don’t match. extremity specialists to recognize and „ Borders - They look scalloped, treat abnormal conditions as they present uneven, or ragged. themselves on the skin of the lower legs „ Color - They may have more than and feet. Skin cancers in the lower extremity one color. These colors may have may have a very different appearance from an uneven distribution. those arising on the rest of the body. For „ Diameter - They can appear wider this reason, a podiatrist’s knowledge and than a pencil eraser (greater than clinical training is of extreme importance 6mm). for patients for the early detection of both benign and malignant skin tumors. For other types of skin cancer, look for Your podiatrist will investigate the spontaneous ulcers and non-healing sores, possibility of skin cancer both through bumps that crack or bleed, nodules with his/her clinical examination and with the rolled or “donut-shaped” edges, or discrete use of a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is a scaly areas. simple procedure in which a small sample If you notice a mole, bump, or patch of the skin lesion is obtained and sent on the skin of a friend or family member to a specialized laboratory where a skin that meets any of these criteria, encourage Skin Cancers pathologist will examine the tissue in greater them to see an APMA member podiatrist detail. To ensure that you receive the very immediately. To fi nd one in your area, visit of the Feet best in care, your podiatrist will likely require www.apma.org. The role of today’s that your skin biopsy be sent to a lab with podiatrist in detection board-certifi ed dermatopathologists who and have specialized training in the analysis of abnormal skin lesions from the lower leg management and foot. If a lesion is determined to be malignant, your podiatrist will recommend the best course of treatment for your condition. www.bakopathology.com Sponsored by | We often view the sun’s harmful rays skin cancer is one of MALIGNANT MELANOMA as the primary cause of skin cancer, due the least aggressive to the fact that it is often found on parts cancers in the Malignant melanoma is one of the of the body that receive the most sun body. It will cause deadliest skin cancers known. Nonsurgical exposure. While this may be true of some local damage, but treatments are rarely effective and many bodily skin cancers, this does not hold true only rarely spreads remain experimental. This type of skin for those that arise on the skin of the feet. beyond the skin. cancer must be detected very early to Skin cancers of the feet are more often Basal cell cancers ensure patient survival. Melanomas may related to viruses, exposure to chemicals, may appear as pearly white bumps or occur on the skin of the feet and on occasion chronic inflammation or irritation, or patches which may ooze or crust similar in beneath a toenail. They are found both on inherited traits. Unfortunately, the skin of appearance to an open sore. On the skin of the soles and on the feet is often overlooked during routine the lower legs and feet, basal cell cancers the tops of the feet. medical examinations, and for this reason, often resemble non-cancerous skin tumors As a melanoma it important that the feet are checked or benign ulcers. grows and extends regularly for abnormalities which might be deeper into the indicative of evolving skin cancer. SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA skin, it becomes more serious and Squamous cell may spread through the body through the COMMON TYPES OF carcinoma is the lymphatics and blood vessels. SKIN CANCERS OF THE most common form of cancer on the skin Malignant melanoma has many potential FEET of the feet. Most types appearances, leading to its nickname, of early squamous cell “The Great Masquerader.” This skin cancer Skin cancers of the feet have several carcinoma are confi ned to the skin and do commonly begins as a small brown-black features in common. Most are painless, not spread. However, when advanced, some spot or bump; however, roughly one third and often there is a history of recurrent can become more aggressive and spread of cases will lack brown pigment and cracking, bleeding, or ulceration. Frequently throughout the body. This form of cancer thus appear pink or red. These tumors individuals discover their skin cancer after often begins as a small scaly bump or plaque, may resemble common moles; however, unrelated ailments near the affected site. which may appear infl amed. Sometimes close inspection will usually demonstrate Some of the most common cancers of the there is a history of recurrent cracking asymmetry, irregular borders, alterations lower extremity are: or bleeding. Occasionally they begin as a in color, and/or a diameter of greater than 6mm. Melanomas may resemble benign BASAL CELL CARCINOMA hard projecting callus-like lesion. Though squamous cell cancer is painless, it may be moles, blood blisters, ingrown nails, plantar Basal cell carcinoma frequently is seen itchy. Squamous cell cancer may resemble warts, ulcers caused by poor circulation, on sun-exposed skin surfaces. With feet a plantar wart, a fungal infection, eczema, foreign bodies, or bruises. being signifi cantly less exposed to the an ulcer, or other common dermatological Clinical images courtesy of sun, it occurs there less often. This form of conditions of the foot. Ben Weaver, DPM, Brenna Steinberg, DPM, and Roy Rothman, DPM