When you visit your podiatrist for concerns about potential skin cancer on your feet, the first step is usually a thorough clinical examination. Your podiatrist will carefully inspect the skin on your feet, paying close attention to any moles, growths, or lesions that exhibit suspicious characteristics such as irregular borders, unusual coloring, or persistent bleeding.
If a lesion appears to have characteristics of skin cancer, your podiatrist may recommend a skin biopsy. This is a simple and effective procedure used to confirm whether a lesion is cancerous. During a skin biopsy, a small sample of the affected skin is taken and sent to a specialized lab. There, a skin pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to determine if it is malignant.
If the biopsy results show that the lesion is cancerous, your podiatrist will discuss the best course of treatment. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the skin cancer and may include surgical removal of the tumor, further testing, or additional therapies like chemotherapy or radiation. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the cancer from spreading.
Regular foot examinations and timely medical consultations are essential for managing skin cancers on the feet. If you suspect a problem or notice any unusual changes in the skin of your feet, it’s important to seek professional evaluation promptly.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Innovative Foot & Ankle or contact us at one of our convenient New Jersey locations in Kenilworth, Bayonne, Cranford, and Little Ferry.