Skin cancer is often associated with excessive sun or other ultraviolet light exposure such as from tanning beds. But many people don’t realize that even though your feet don’t always get a lot of sun, skin cancer can show up on your feet and ankles from other causes so you need to be on the lookout.
Some of the other causes of skin cancer on your feet include:
- Chemical exposure—Toxic chemicals can alter the DNA in the skin possibly creating conditions for tumors to grow
- Compromised Immune system —A depleted immune system can inhibit your body’s ability to fight cancerous cells
- HIV infection—infections and treatments can compromise the immune system
- Organ transplant complications
- Melanin deficiency—A genetic mutation can decrease your skin’s ability to retain and produce melanin. Low melanin can increase ultraviolet light penetration possibly causing skin cancer.
Signs of skin cancer on your feet
Melanoma is a potentially deadly form of skin cancer that can affect the feet. You really need to be careful with melanoma because it can resemble warts and moles and can even grow underneath your toenails and on the bottom of your feet. These tumors can become dangerous because they tend to grow into the body instead of over the surface of the skin. In this manner, the tumors can spread to the rest of the body through the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
These dangerous tumors can also look like ulcers, blood blisters, splinters, and ingrown toenails, so always have your foot doctor look at any lesions you may have. At Syracuse Podiatry, located in Central New York, Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Payel Ghosh, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 to make an appointment today.