Malignant Melanoma on the Leg PART 2

This is a follow-up to our earlier post about a patient whose malignant melanoma had been present on the leg for about five years. Fortunately, his was a superficial spreading melanoma that had not grown deep enough to spread beyond the local skin. A 1 cm margin of safety was excised in accordance with NIH guidelines, with a cure rate in the high 90% range. He now needs ongoing dermatology follow-up and, living in Florida, a whole new approach to sun protection — sunscreen and UV-protective clothing such as Coolibar. As we always say: when in doubt, biopsy it out. It can save a life. Another leg and life saved at Family Foot & Leg Center, PA.

Why Margins and Depth Matter in Melanoma

Two factors drive melanoma treatment and prognosis: how deep the tumor has grown (its Breslow thickness) and whether it has spread. Thin, superficial melanomas caught early are usually cured with a wide local excision that removes a margin of healthy tissue around the lesion. Deeper tumors may require sentinel lymph node biopsy and additional oncologic care. That is why early detection changes everything — the same cancer is highly curable when shallow and far more dangerous when it has had years to grow.

Watch for These Changes

• A mole or spot that is asymmetric, has irregular borders, or has multiple colors
• A lesion larger than a pencil eraser, or one that is changing, itching, or bleeding
• A new dark spot on the sole or between the toes, or a pigmented streak under a toenail
• Any sore on the foot or leg that will not heal

Sun Protection in Southwest Florida

Year-round sun exposure raises skin-cancer risk for everyone in our region. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, and routine skin checks — including the often-overlooked feet and legs — are simple, effective habits. If you have a suspicious or non-healing spot below the knee, our specialists can evaluate it and biopsy when appropriate.

For more information or to schedule a skin and nail evaluation with a board-certified foot and ankle specialist, call (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or book online at NaplesPodiatrist.com.

Serving Southwest Florida since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties — Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota. We provide pediatric to geriatric foot and ankle care: ingrown toenails, heel pain, bunions, foot & ankle arthritis, plantar fasciitis, foot & ankle surgery, custom orthotics, and diabetic wound care — with in-office X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and minor surgical suites. Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery. Same-day appointments and easy online scheduling.