Foot melanoma is a form of cancer that spreads through the skin. It starts in the skin cells that produce skin color. This form of cancer of can spread to other parts of the body under the surface of the skin and will affect the young and old. The danger of foot melanoma is in its ability to spread and grow without detection. Foot melanoma starts in the foot area, including the ankle and can go completely undetected in its earliest stages. Since it is the early stages that are most treatable, preventative care is extremely important.
Foot melanoma can occur for a variety of reasons but most commonly occurs due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds. Ultraviolet exposure, or UV exposure, can damage the skin and create abnormal cells that lead to cancerous growths.
UV exposure can damage the skin whether a person spends a lot or a little time in the sun or tanning bed. While anyone can develop melanoma on any part of the body, the feet are usually susceptible because they are forgotten often when applying sunscreen.
Melanoma can affect anyone, including the very young. However, those that are most susceptible will be those with fair skin. If you have freckles, red or blond hair you are even more at risk. Also, people that have experienced extreme sunburns or anyone under the age of 18, can be susceptible.
Finally, those found to be most susceptible include individuals that have a greater number of moles than others. This is especially true if these moles appeared during childhood.
A professional should perform a screen for foot melanoma since it’s so hard to detect in its earliest and most treatable stages.
Prevention
The most common and economical form of prevention is to wear the proper amounts of sunblock. Similarly, you should limit exposure to sun and tanning beds. This is especially true for people with light skin or a family history including skin cancer.
Detection
Foot melanoma can go undetected or manifest through skin growths that can be blue, brown, or black, with some being white or red. Not every skin discoloration is melanoma. So, the screening and detection process used by professionals is even more important.
The only way to detect this skin cancer, especially in its earliest and most treatable stages, is to go to a professional office. Schedule an appointment to get screened by one of the best podiatrists in Southfield. Our patients receive fast, professional melanoma screenings and treatment.
©Copyright 2025 Foot Healthcare Associates.
©Copyright 2025 Foot Healthcare Associates.
