Lesions – Should You Be Concerned About That Spot on Your Skin?

2008 Worldwide Incidence for Melanoma of the Skin - Statistics from GLOBOCAN (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Anytime you have an abnormal growth or an area on your skin that is different in appearance, it is generally considered to be a lesion. Some lesions are present at birth such as moles and birthmarks while others develop over time. These would include acne, warts, allergies abrasions and sunburns.

When do I need to be concerned?

Most of the time spots on the skin are harmless but they can turn into something that needs serious attention. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is a result of overexposure to ultraviolet light. Lesions on your skin are the warning signs that this dangerous cancer may be developing or has developed and needs immediate treatment. A common site for malignant melanoma is on legs and feet. It causes 75% of deaths related to skin cancer mostly due to the fact that it is often not discovered until it has progressed to a dangerous state.

You can avoid this situation by monitoring any spots or lesions on your skin, especially on your feet and legs. A good place to start is the ABCD’s of melanoma: A-Asymmetry, B-Borders that are irregular, C-Color that is inconsistent, and D-Diameter bigger than 5 or 6 mm. If you notice any of these specific changes with even the smallest spot, it is time take action and get it checked out. Early detection, accurate diagnosis and quick treatment will help avoid a potential life-threatening situation.

If after reading these warning signs you know of a lesion on your leg or foot that you should have looked at, please call Dr. Jeff Bowman. You can trust his expertise and effective treatment to catch any serious problem quickly and keep you in good health! Call our office in Houston, TX to make an appointment (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• How to perform a self-exam for skin cancer
• How to prevent melanoma
• Single injection may revolutionize melanoma treatment

Kaposi’s Sarcoma - A Rare Cancer Associated with AIDS

To give you some foundational information, cancer begins when normal cells in your body change and grow to form a mass, called a tumor. At this point a tumor can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign) which means it won’t spread to other parts of your body.

What is Kaposi’s sarcoma?

A sarcoma is a specific type of cancer that develops from bone or soft tissues such as fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and skin tissues. Kaposi’s sarcoma is a very rare type of cancer seen in older people but can also be commonly associated with HIV and/or AIDS or in people with immune system disorders.

Research has found that this type of cancer is caused by a herpes virus and affects eight times more men than women. The disease is associated with purple grape-like lesions in the skin and can be found on many areas of the body, including the soles of the feet. These spots are usually painless and can be red, purple, bluish or brown depending on your skin color.

Each case of Kaposi’s sarcoma is different. In some patients, the lesions can grow slowly over time while others may see lesions grow and multiply quickly. In most cases though, the lesions do grow in size and number and over time can form in other parts of the body as well. Pressure from the lesions can affect circulation leading to painful swelling in legs and feet.

Most people in today’s day and age can name someone they know that has been affected by cancer. Don’t take chances - if you notice any new spot or questionable symptom on your feet or ankles, please contact Houston Foot Specialists today. Early intervention is often the key to successful treatment. Call foot specialist, Dr. Jeff Bowman at (713) 467-8886 or make an appointment online.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved