Skin Cancer News:

Many Americans Overlook Feet as Common Spot for Skin Cancer

Many Americans are protecting themselves from skin cancer by wearing hats and slathering sunscreen on their heads, shoulders and backs, but they are overlooking the most misdiagnosed and fatal site of the disease -- their feet.

The most common malignancy is melanoma on the foot or ankle, which is more likely to be misdiagnosed than skin cancer on other parts of the body. As a result, detection is often late and the survival rate is far lower than for skin cancer elsewhere, according to American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

ACFAS says cases of malignant melanoma are increasing faster than any other cancer in America and some 40,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, noting that a 2003 study found that the overall survival rate for melanoma of the foot or ankle is just 52 percent, compared to 85 percent for patients with melanomas on other areas of the body.

“A non-painful spot on the foot, especially the sole, often isn't noticed until advanced stages when a tumor is thicker and more likely to metastasize," said Dr. Neil Campbell, a Texas podiatric surgeon. "Any change in an existing mole or pigmented skin abrasion on the foot should be evaluated by a podiatric surgeon right away."

Campbell said melanomas can be found anywhere on the foot, including under a toenail, and most often appear as abnormal looking moles or small areas of pigmented skin. To guard against foot melanoma, he advised using sunscreen on the top and bottom of the feet and limiting sun exposure.

Risk factors for melanomas on the feet are similar to other skin cancers, such as excessive unprotected time in the sun, family history, numerous moles on the body and having fair skin, blue eyes or red hair. However, populations normally at low risk for skin cancer, such as African Americans, Hispanics and Asians, can develop melanomas on their feet, according to ACFAS.

Source: Medical Week staff, week of August 9, 2004