SKIN CANCERS OF THE FEET ARE OFTEN PAINLESS

The Centers for Disease Control have declared May as “Skin Cancer Awareness Month” and the New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA), which represents more than 1,200 foot specialists across the Empire State, is urging New Yorkers to pay special attention to the skin on both the top and bottom of their feet.  While harmful sunrays may be the primary cause of skin cancers on parts of the body that receive sun exposure, skin cancers of the feet are more often related to viruses.  Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are foot specialists, trained to recognize and treat conditions that present on the skin of the foot.  

Skin on the feet, especially on the bottom, is often overlooked during routine medical exams. According to Dr. Gary Stones, NYSPMA’s President and a practicing podiatrist, skin cancers of the feet have several features in common. “Most are painless, but often there’s a history of recurrent cracking, itching, bleeding or ulceration,” he cautions. “These cancers often go undiagnosed until another issue presents itself near the affected site,” added Stones. 

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News.