Cancer has affected the lives of millions of people around the world. While rare, cancer can also form in your feet. You can discuss concerns about the health of your feet, ankles, and toes with your podiatrist. They have specialized imaging and diagnostic equipment to determine if your foot problems might be cancerous.
Despite the rarity of foot cancer, it is important to get your foot diseases evaluated and treated by a professional promptly. Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, a team of podiatry experts in Newtown, PA, address your concerns about the likelihood of developing cancer in your feet.
Which Cancers Can Form in Feet?
Your feet can be at risk of developing several different kinds of cancers. While neoplastic disorders can sometimes be benign, other forms of cancer can be life-threatening.
Your podiatrist can remove benign tumors with surgery. Cancerous bone tumors may form on the bottom of your feet, under the toenail, or elsewhere on the foot, and may require more intensive treatment.
Your feet can also develop skin cancer, including malignant melanoma. This foot cancer is curable with early treatment but could be deadly if left untreated.
When Should I Visit a Doctor?
Tumors usually present as a mass or swelling on the foot. Bone cancer can also manifest with pain or tenderness in the affected area or weakened bones that mean a higher likelihood of fractures. Your foot doctor can perform an examination and testing to determine if tumors are malignant or not and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
Skin cancer in the foot can appear as a new or changed spot on your foot. It may resemble a mole or blood blister and could appear under the toenail. The typical way to evaluate a lesion for melanoma is to note if the spot is asymmetrical, if the border appears jagged, if the color is changed, and if the diameter has grown. If any of these symptoms seem familiar, you should contact your podiatrist for a consultation appointment.
Learn More from Your Foot Doctor in Newtown, PA
Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists treat podiatry concerns, like foot diseases and neuropathy. Our practice offers custom orthotics, nail treatment, shockwave therapy, and many other podiatry services. To schedule an appointment with a foot doctor in Newtown, PA, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 215.234.3772.