What does foot melanoma look like?
Aside from looking like a changing mole, a melanoma on the foot can appear as a: Brown or black vertical line under a toenail. Pinkish-red spot or growth. New spot or growth where you injured your foot.
How fast does foot melanoma spread?
Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as 6 weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.
How serious is foot melanoma?
Foot melanoma is often treatable in the early stages. However, people will usually receive a diagnosis during the later stages, as the symptoms may not be easily noticeable. If foot melanoma spreads, or metastasizes, it can be life threatening. Foot melanoma most often initially spreads to the lymph nodes.
How is foot melanoma treated?
How Is It Usually Treated? When identified early, surgery is often the most effective treatment for melanoma. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the foot or into the lower legs, treatments that include radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy may be recommended.
Where does foot melanoma spread?
Melanomas may occur on the skin of the feet and on occasion beneath a toenail. They are found both on the soles and on the top of the feet. As a melanoma grows and extends deeper into the skin, it becomes more serious and may spread through the body through the lymphatics and blood vessels.
What is the first step in treating melanoma?
Skin exam and physical. If you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma,you’ve already had a skin biopsy.
What does the beginning stages of melanoma look like?
Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the shape, color, size, or feel of an existing mole. However, melanoma may also appear as a new mole.
What is the prognosis and survival rates for melanoma by stage?
Survival rate. A person’s response to treatment will affect their chance of survival. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for stage 4 melanoma is 15–20 percent. This means that an estimated 15–20 percent of people with stage 4 melanoma will be alive 5 years after diagnosis.