Melanoma Symptoms Frequently Diagnosed by Podiatrists

New York, NY – July 31, 2013 - When members of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) were surveyed on whether they had ever discovered melanoma or skin cancer during a routine foot examination, 75% of the foot specialist respondents answered positively.

Survival rates are dramatically lower when melanoma is found on the foot since it often goes unnoticed until the patient is having a serious problem. If the melanoma is not caught in the early stages, the fatality rate is about 50% within five years of diagnosis. All the more reason for checking your feet on a regular basis, say doctors of podiatric medicine.

“I’ve diagnosed melanoma through routine foot exams, said Dr. Robert A. Russo, President of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association and a practicing podiatrist. “One example is a patient who came in thinking they had a plantar wart, but the biopsy I ordered proved it to be melanoma,” he added.

Feet that are not regularly exposed to the sun during the year are very sensitive. Skin cancer can occur on the soles of the feet, as well as on the tops, between the toes and under the nails. Podiatrists say that it is important to have routine foot checks to diagnose any abnormalities that could be symptoms of the disease.

The majority of Americans have been conditioned to protect themselves by staying out of the sun or using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. But many times feet, especially toes, are not given proper sunscreen protection. Additionally, sunscreen must be reapplied regularly, especially after going in the water.

Signs of malignant melanoma – one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer - include changes to moles such as itchiness and bleeding. Also, normal lesions are generally one color, with a distinct border, and about the size of a pea or smaller and do not dramatically grow in size. The A,B,Cs of possible melanoma lesions are:

A-Asymmetrical shape.

B-Bleeding or oozing.

C-Change in color.

D-Diameter of the lesion. If it is large or getting larger.

E-Evolving. Changing in size, shape, border, color, itching.

F-Fingernail or toenail bruise that does not grow out with the nail.

For more information, or to find a doctor-member of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association in your area, visit www.nyspma.org and click on “Find a Podiatrist.”