Skin cancer of the legs, ankles, and feet are some of the most overlooked cancers.
They are found in locations where most people think skin cancers unlikely. Over 90% of skin cancers appear on sun-exposed skin, commonly found on the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands, but an alarming whole are also found in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Liver Cancer
Why does sun cause skin cancer? Overexposure to sunlight damages the top layer, or trueskin of the skin. The most hazardous skin cancer is called melanoma, meaning a tumor of pigment producing cells. Melanomas can spread early to the lungs, liver, and brain making it a rapidly fatal cancer. It is foreseen, that something over 8,500 people will die from skin cancers this year! Most melanomas can be cured with early analysis and treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas occur commonly on the forehead, lips, and hands but they can be found on the arms hands, legs, and feet. These cancers can spread and early analysis and rehabilitation is critical.
Basal Cell Carcinomas rarely spread to distant structures, but, if untreated, can destroy large portions of the face, scalp, nose, ears, and vast areas of skin. They can ensue in gross disfigurement if not treated early. Fair-skinned people are at greater risk for these cancers.
My genuine,sincere advice:
1. Please, have your moles and skin lesions checked. To put off doing so could be fatal. Ask your customary care doctor or dermatologist to do a annual skin check, all over. Don't be modest about this. Your life could be at stake. I routinely check patients for suspicious moles and lesions on their legs, ankles, and feet. You need at least a annual check-up with your podiatrist.
2. Use sun blocks to safe exposed skin, even in winter and don't forget your legs and feet if they will be exposed!
3. Learn the Abcds of skin cancer:
Asymmetry - The sides don't match.
Border - It looks uneven or ragged.
Color - It has more than one color. These colors may have an uneven distribution.
Diameter - They appear wider than a pencil eraser. Also, look for ulceration, craters, donut-shaped edges, bleeding, or slow medical if the lesion is ulcerated. Any mole on the toes or the lowest of the foot is suspicious. If you consideration a mole on a friend or house member that meets any of these criteria, gently encourage them to get it checked "to be safe".
Skin Cancer of the Foot and Ankle - An Epidemic