Foot melanoma is the deadliest form of melanoma

I have been writing this blog for several years now. I have to tell you; I love writing it. I enjoy sharing information with you that can help you.
 
Of all the things that I have learned writing this blog, there is one that I find really important to share with you. I was stunned when I learned about this and the more I learned, the more I wanted to impress upon you the importance of checking your feet.
 
Frequent readers of this blog probably know what I am talking about. If you don’t know, here is the most impressive thing I can share with you.
 
Foot melanoma is the deadliest form of melanoma.
 
It is the deadliest form because people don’t check their feet and the cancer advances before you notice or think about that spot or growth. We are so careful to use sunscreen but how often do you put it on your feet? The tops of your feet and the soles of your feet are exposed to the sun. Think about when you wear sandals. The tops of your feet are out there in the sun.
So, I urge you to check your feet. Check your toe nails for spots – yes, you can get melanoma under your toe nails. I know many women paint their toe nails. It is important to look at those nails when you are changing the color or re-applying nail polish. If you do see a spot and that spot doesn’t move over time, then you need to see your friendly local podiatrist immediately. (A spot on your toe nail can be from a bruise but if it is a bruise then it will grow out with your toe nail. A cancerous spot will generally stay in the same place on the nail and not move as the nail grows out.) 
  
Do you know what I mean when I say check your feet? I mean take the time to sit down on the side of your bed with a hand mirror and really look at your feet. It won’t take long, I promise. (My feet are really big and it only takes me a minute or two.)  Look for any discolorations, spots, lumps, or bumps. Have you seen them before? If you see something that you had not seen before, your safest move would be to go see your friendly local podiatrist and have the spot, lump, or bump checked.
 
Did you know that there are what is called the ABCDEs of melanoma? When you look at a spot on your body that is new to you, think of these signs.
A – is the spot asymmetrical?
B – does it have irregular boarders?
C – is it more than one color or an uneven distribution of color?
D – is it larger than a quarter of an inch?
E –  is it evolving (changing in size, shape, or color)?
 
If you wonder at all, please see a doctor.
 
Please take the time to check your feet. Put it on your calendar so that you remember to check them at least once a month. It doesn’t take long but those few minutes can save your life.
 
 Have a fun and safe St. Patrick’s day!

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