Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, arising from the pigment or color producing cells of the skin known as melanocytes.
We often associate melanoma with skin that receive too much sun, such as the head however it can appear on places often devoid of light, such as the feet. The feet are often overlooked by the individual, therefore suspicious dark spots go unchecked. A darkened lesion on the foot may be a simple mole or nevus, but it may also be an early malignant lesion. Melanoma’s presentation on the foot does not discriminate based upon skin complexion; however the hands and feet are the most common places for melanoma to arise amongst individuals of African or asian descent. It is important to check your feet on a routine basis for any suspicious changes; melanoma of the foot may appear as any one of the following:
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Brown or black vertical line under a toenail
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Pinkish-red spot or growth
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New spot or growth where you injured your foot
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Rapidly growing mass on your foot, especially where you once injured your foot
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Non-healing sore on your foot (or a sore that heals and returns)
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Sore that looks like a diabetic ulcer
One of the simple rule to apply to any suspicious spot on the skin of your foot is the ABCE rule. Does your area of concern have:
Assymetry to
An Irregular boarder
Un even color
a diameter greater than 6mm
An evolution in appearance (Has it changed over time?)
If your are concerned about a suspicious spot on your foot then please do not hesitate to make an appointment with a podiatrist. Melanoma is best treated in its early stages, and it can often be cured under such circumstances. A podiatrist can examine your area of concern, perform the necessary testing and if need be work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals to ensure that you receive the appropriate care.
Thank you for shedding light on such an important but often overlooked topic! It’s crucial for everyone, especially those with darker skin tones, to regularly check their feet for any suspicious changes. The ABCE rule is an excellent guideline for self-examination. I’ll definitely be more vigilant about my foot health after reading this. Keep up the great work!