You don’t usually think of skin cancer as something that affects the feet. Skin cancer has such a strong correlation with sunlight exposure, and your feet don’t usually get a lot of sun. While exposing lightly-colored and freckled skin to the sun is a risk factor for developing skin cancer, other factors not related to UV exposure are also involved.
2 factors that may raise your chances of developing skin cancer on your feet are:
- Immune system impairment—Viral infections such as HIV or HPV (human papillomavirus) can cause your immune system to become weakened. This weakening can make it harder for your body to defend against cancerous growths and to escort deformed cells out of the body.
- Chemical exposure—Exposure to toxic chemicals that cause stinging and burning to the skin can contribute to cell damage. These chemical pollutants can come from power generating plants and are in many of the products we use in our homes. Always protect your skin when using any harsh chemical products.
Melanoma is a very common and unfortunately often deadly disease that can be difficult to detect since it can look like other skin abnormalities and doesn’t usually cause any pain. The tumor grows inward where it can reach blood vessels and lymph nodes and spread to other areas. Always have any suspicious skin lesions checked by your podiatrist to avoid potentially fatal complications.
Skin cancers can also have the same appearance as plantar warts, wounds and blisters, so be sure to see your foot doctor for the correct diagnosis. The foot specialists at ETL Podiatry in Briarwood and Melville, NY have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle problems. Our team of doctors is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Melville, NY (631)-549-8637 and Briarwood, NY (718)-657-8921.
You don’t usually think of skin cancer as something that affects the feet. Skin cancer has such a strong correlation with sunlight exposure, and your feet don’t usually get a lot of sun. While exposing lightly-colored and freckled skin to the sun is a risk factor for developing skin cancer, other factors not related to UV exposure are also involved.
2 factors that may raise your chances of developing skin cancer on your feet are:
- Immune system impairment—Viral infections such as HIV or HPV (human papillomavirus) can cause your immune system to become weakened. This weakening can make it harder for your body to defend against cancerous growths and to escort deformed cells out of the body.
- Chemical exposure—Exposure to toxic chemicals that cause stinging and burning to the skin can contribute to cell damage. These chemical pollutants can come from power generating plants and are in many of the products we use in our homes. Always protect your skin when using any harsh chemical products.
Melanoma is a very common and unfortunately often deadly disease that can be difficult to detect since it can look like other skin abnormalities and doesn’t usually cause any pain. The tumor grows inward where it can reach blood vessels and lymph nodes and spread to other areas. Always have any suspicious skin lesions checked by your podiatrist to avoid potentially fatal complications.
Skin cancers can also have the same appearance as plantar warts, wounds and blisters, so be sure to see your foot doctor for the correct diagnosis. The foot specialists at ETL Podiatry in Briarwood and Melville, NY have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle problems. Our team of doctors is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Melville, NY (631)-549-8637 and Briarwood, NY (718)-657-8921.
