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Check Your Feet for Skin Cancer

Many people associate skin cancer with excessive exposure to sun and ultraviolet light and therefore think that their feet aren’t likely to be affected. However, other factors are involved that can contribute to the formation of cancerous growths on your feet and ankles. Malignant growths can look like other skin conditions, and if they advance to your blood vessels and lymph nodes, they can spread to other parts of your body. So be sure to have any abnormalities checked by your foot doctor.

Some of the signs and risk factors for developing skin cancer on your feet include the following:

  • Mimics other skin and toenail conditions—Moles, warts, blisters, and toenail conditions can look very much like cancerous lesions.  So be sure to have your foot doctor check them to rule out cancer.
  • Hereditary influences—People who have inherited light, freckled skin are more likely to get skin cancer.
  • Environmental chemical exposures—Exposure to toxic chemicals from factory emissions and car exhaust can contribute to skin cancer development. Harsh chemicals used around the home can also damage DNA and cause cancerous cells to develop, so be sure to wear protective gear.
  • Immune system problems—People who have compromised immune systems from diseases, including diabetes and peripheral artery disease, are more likely to develop cancerous lesions.

If you are concerned about an unusual growth on your foot, it is time to see your podiatrist for the proper care. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors, including Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.

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