Dr. Sahiba Singh discusses skin cancer and the importance of sunscreen.
When you hear about cancer awareness, typically what comes to mind would be more common forms of cancer, lung cancer, etc. It’s an undeniable truth that every form of cancer deserves its own awareness and research funding…but when it comes to skin cancer, don’t you often think of the skin on our faces, chests, or arms where we get the most sun exposure? It makes sense because more people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than anywhere else in the world.
However, this is exactly why it’s so important to cover these areas as often as we can to protect them from sun exposure. If we must have them bare to the sun, the next best thing to do is use a high SPF spray or cream to keep us protected. We’re missing a vital piece of the puzzle, though…and it’s been right under our noses our entire lives! That’s right, our feet. Think about it; when was the last time you ever put sunscreen on your feet when heading outside with sandals or flip-flops on? If you said never, it’s never too late to start.
Studies have shown that nearly 90% of skin cancer cases are due to over-exposure to the ultraviolet light found in sunlight. The delicate skin on the tops of our toes and feet are sensitive and just as susceptible to developing skin cancer as our shoulders, face, or anywhere else on our bodies that are most often exposed to sunlight. This is why it’s just as important to apply sunscreen to the skin of your feet as it is to your face, shoulders, chest, and elsewhere.
Skin cancers of the feet can manifest in different ways: they may be painless, can crack, cause ulcers, bleed, and have unrelated conditions near the area. Although feet can be susceptible to the sun like other parts of the body, they are often covered up and protected from the sun more so than other limbs. Therefore, skin cancer can also be caused by viruses, chemicals, inflammation, and genetic traits.
Symptoms of this condition include an asymmetric lesion on the foot with borders that are unveven, that have multiple colors spread unevenly and can be wide in diameter.
There may also be the formation of formation of random ulcers, sores that do not heal correctly, bumps that crack, or lumps on the foot with edges that are rough to the touch. When these symptoms develop, the affected area should be removed to prevent cancer from spreading further.
Treatment for skin cancer may include:
– Starting with prevention by checking the feet daily for any inconsistencies, especially after exposure to the sun or harmful chemicals. Look out for any moles, bumps, or areas on the skin of the foot that may have the symptoms described above. Also limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen when feet or ankles are exposed to the sun.
– A skin biopsy is a procedure that can be performed where a small part of the skin lesion is surgically cut and examined for cancerous properties.
– Surgical procedures to remove the cancerous lesion in its entirety to reduce the chances of recurrence or causing other complications.
Skin cancer can be fatal if not treated effectively and quickly due to quickly-spreading properties of certain aggressive types. Pay it forward and tell a friend or two about the benefit of applying sunscreen to their feet this summer season!
If you suspect that you may have skin cancer on your feet, contact Dr. Sahiba Singh’s office today at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit our website at www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Sahiba Singh, DPM, AACFAS
6846 International Center Blvd
Suite B
Fort Myers. FL 33912
—————–
