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1. MALIGNANT MELANOMA
OF THE FOOT Asymmetry
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
Border
What is Malignant Melanoma? cancer. These include:
M elanoma is a cancer that
begins in the cells of the
skin that produce pigmentation
• Fair skin; skin that freckles;
blond or red hair
• Blistering sunburns before the
Border order
B
Color
(coloration). It is also called age of 18
malignant melanoma because it • Numerous moles, especially if Melanoma is typically a mix of
5 mm
spreads to other areas of the they appeared at a young age colors or hues, rather than a single,
body as it grows beneath the solid color. ColorColor
surface of the skin. Unlike many What Should You Look For?
Diameter
other types of cancer, melanoma Melanoma can occur anywhere on the 5 mm5 mm
strikes people of all age groups, skin, even in areas of the body not
even the young. exposed to the sun. Melanoma usually
looks like a spot on the skin that is Diameter
Diameter
Melanoma in the Foot predominantly brown, black, or blue—
Melanoma that occurs in the foot or although in some cases it can be Melanoma grows in diameter, whereas
ankle often goes unnoticed during its mostly red or even white. However, moles remain small. A spot that is
earliest stage, when it would be more not all areas of discoloration on the larger than 5 millimeters (the size of a
easily treated. By the time melanoma skin are melanoma. pencil eraser) is cause for concern.
of the foot or ankle is diagnosed, it There are four signs—known as the
frequently has progressed to an ABCDs of melanoma—to look for If any of these signs are present on
advanced stage, accounting for a when self-inspecting moles and other the foot, it is important to see a foot
higher mortality rate. This makes it spots on the body: and ankle surgeon right away. It is
extremely important to follow also essential to see a surgeon if there
prevention and early detection is discoloration of any size underneath
measures involving the feet as well a toenail (unless the discoloration was
as other parts of the body. caused by trauma, such as stubbing a
Asymmetry
toe or having something fall on it).
Causes Melanoma is usually asymmetric,
Most cases of melanoma are which means one half is different in Diagnosis
caused by too much exposure to shape from the other half.
Asymmetry To diagnose melanoma, the foot and
ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun ankle surgeon will ask the patient a
or tanning beds. This exposure can Border few questions. For example: Is
include intense UV radiation the spot old or new? Have you
obtained during short periods, or noticed any changes in size or
lower amounts of radiation obtained color? If so, how rapidly has this
Border
over longer periods. change occurred?
Anyone can get melanoma, but Border irregularity often indicates The surgeon will also examine the
some factors put a person at greater melanoma. The Color
border—or edge—is spot to determine whether a biopsy is
risk for developing this type of typically ragged, notched, or blurred. necessary. If a biopsy is performed
5 mm
Color

2. and it reveals melanoma, the surgeon • Use adequate sunscreen in areas sun exposure is harmful at any
will discuss a treatment plan. that are unprotected by clothing or age, it is especially damaging to
shoes. Be sure to apply sunscreen on children and adolescents.
Prevention and Early Detection the soles as well as the tops of feet. • Wear sunglasses that block 100% of
Everyone should practice strategies • Inspect all areas of the feet daily— all UV rays—both UV and UVB.
A
that can help prevent melanoma—or including the soles, underneath • Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
at least aid in early detection, so that toenails, and between the toes.
early treatment can be undertaken. • If you wear nail polish, remove Remember: Early detection is
Precautions to avoid getting it occasionally so that you can crucial with malignant melanoma. If
melanoma of the foot and ankle, as inspect the skin underneath you see any of the ABCD signs—or if
well as general precautions, include: the toenails. you have discoloration beneath a
• Wear water shoes or shoes and • Avoid UV radiation during the toenail that is unrelated to trauma—
socks—flip flops do not provide sun’s peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 be sure to visit a foot and ankle
protection! p.m.), beginning at birth. While surgeon as soon as possible. L
This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and
Ankle Surgeons, a professional society of 6,200 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors of
Podiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs.
The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education,
research and the promotion of the highest professional standards.
Copyright © 2007, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • www.FootPhysicians.com