Lumps, Bumps, & Moles
Most people don’t pay attention to their feet or legs until they start feeling pain, but many skin cancers of the feet and/or legs are painless. Because of this, skin cancers on the feet and/or legs can often go undetected. Therefore, it is very important to keep an eye on your feet and/or legs and inspect them on a regular basis.
It is a common misunderstanding that only sun-exposed skin is more likely to get skin cancer. There are skin cancers of the feet and/or legs that are related to exposure to chemicals, chronic inflammatory conditions, viruses or inherited traits. Many benign appearing conditions such as long-standing ulcerations or warts can be cancerous.
Skin cancers can also appear in the nail. Especially, women need to pay more attention as these growths can often go undiagnosed because of using nail polish.
If your skin condition meets any of the following criteria, you should see a podiatric physician immediately:
Asymmetry: Does one half of the mole not match the other half?
Border irregularity: Are the edges of the mole irregular, ragged, blurred or notched?
Color: Is the color inconsistent throughout the mole?
Diameter: Is the mole larger than the size of a pencil eraser (a quarter inch)?
Evolution: Is there a change in the size, shape or new symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), bleeding surface, uneven texture, or a change in the color of the mole?
The good news about skin cancers is that they can be treated successfully if detected early.
So do yourself and your feet and/or legs a favor by routinely inspecting them. If there is any question that crosses your mind regarding a lump, bump, mole, or an irregularity in your toenail, then it is important to get it checked out by your podiatric physician.
– Hetal Kathrotiya-Mago, DPM
Dr. Hetal Kathrotiya-Mago practices in the Silver Spring office (301-598-0130).
The information on this site is provided for your assistance only; this site does not provide podiatric advice. You should never diagnose or treat yourself for a podiatric condition based on the information provided herein, and the information is not provided for that purpose. Likewise, you should never determine that treatment is unnecessary based on this information. The information contained herein is not a substitute for podiatric care provided by a licensed podiatric professional. The information provided herein is not podiatric, medical or professional advice. This site does not create a doctor-patient relationship.
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This Website, and the information contained herein, is provided to you as a service for use at your sole risk.
If you are feeling ill, please call your primary care physician, or other healthcare provider. In the case of an emergency, please go to the nearest hospital.
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