While we often think of skin cancer as something that strikes due to sun exposure in the summer, the fact is that it can occur at any time of year and when that occurrence happens to be on your feet, it often goes unnoticed until the cancer has spread.

The skin cancer called melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers, and since it spreads inward and can look like moles or other skin problems, people often neglect to have it checked out. By keeping in mind the skin cancer ABC’s and doing regular foot inspections, you can keep a watchful eye on problems.

Use the skin cancer ABC’s to keep a watchful eye on any skin growths:

• Asymmetry—The growth has two sides that are different in shape and color.
• Border—The border of the growth is not easily determined or may have slotted edges.
• Color—The growth contains different shades of brown, tan, and black within one area.
• Diameter—Any growth diameter greater than 5mm is suspicious.
• Evolving—When a growth changes in size, shape, color, or if new symptoms like itching, pain, oozing, or bleeding develop, it’s time to have it checked out.

Melanoma can grow fast, so the earlier you check with your foot doctor about any suspicious moles or lesions on your feet or ankles, the better chance you have of catching it before it spreads. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.