Foot Cancer Warning Signs — What Lake Mary Patients Should Know

Foot Cancer Warning Signs — What Lake Mary Patients Should Know When you think about skin cancer, you likely imagine sun exposure on your face, neck, or arms. But here's what many Lake Mary residents don't realize: foot cancer is real, and your feet need the same vigilance you give your other sun exposed areas. If you've noticed any unusual changes on your feet, Dr. Carli Hoover at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute (CFFAI) encourages you to get them checked promptly. The good news? Most foot lumps and skin changes are NOT cancer. However, knowing what warning signs to watch for can save your life. Let's walk through what you need to know. Understanding Foot Cancer: The Facts Foot cancer—most commonly melanoma—develops from changes in pigment producing cells. Your feet are particularly vulnerable because: Year round sandal wearing in Florida increases UV exposure ✅ Feet are often overlooked during sunscreen applications The soles and between toes create warm, moist environments that can harbor concerning changes Many people don't perform regular foot self exams Dr. Carli Hoover , DPM, and the team at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute in Lake Mary have seen how early detection changes outcomes dramatically. Key Warning Signs to Watch For If you see any of these warning signs on your feet, schedule an appointment with Dr. Carli Hoover at CFFAI's Lake Mary location right away: Changes in Moles 🦶 Look for the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges Color: Variations of brown, black, tan, or even red and white Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6mm or bigger) Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color over weeks or months Sores That Don't Heal ⚠️ A sore on your foot that doesn't heal within 2–3 weeks warrants immediate evaluation by Dr. Carli Hoover . Non healing wounds on the bottom of the foot or between the toes are concerning and need professional assessment at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute. Darkening Under the Nails If you notice a dark streak or discoloration under a toenail that wasn't there before, or if the streak is growing, don't wait. This can indicate a serious condition that Dr. Carli Hoover and the podiatrists at Lake Mary's Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute can evaluate thoroughly. Bleeding or Oozing Any mole or lesion on your foot that bleeds, oozes, or crusts over without a clear injury deserves professional attention. Itching or Tenderness Sometimes a changing lesion may itch or feel tender. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it's worth getting checked. Florida's Extra Risk: Sun Exposure Year Round Living in Lake Mary means you're exposed to intense Florida sun 365 days a year. Many residents wear sandals or go barefoot year round, dramatically increasing UV exposure to the feet. Dr. Carli Hoover reminds patients that sun damage accumulates over time, making regular foot checks essential for Lake Mary residents. Always apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ to your feet, even if you're just running errands. Reapply every two hours if you're outdoors. What Happens During Your CFFAI Appointment? When you visit Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute in Lake Mary , Dr. Carli Hoover will: 1. Perform a thorough visual examination of both feet 2. Use a dermatoscope to magnify and examine suspicious lesions 3. Ask about changes you've noticed and your personal/family history 4. Discuss biopsy options if anything looks concerning 5. Provide clear guidance on follow up care or referral to dermatology if needed Dr. Carli Hoover's approach is reassuring, thorough, and focused on catching problems early. Self Exam Tips for Lake Mary Residents Starting today, perform a monthly foot self check: ✨ Use a mirror to see the soles and between your toes ✨ Look for any new moles, spots, or lesions ✨ Note any changes in existing marks (size, color, shape) ✨ Check for sores that aren't healing normally ✨ Feel for any unusual bumps or tender areas If you spot anything new or changing, don't hesitate to call Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute's Lake Mary office . When to See Dr. Carli Hoover Immediately Don't wait for your annual exam if you notice: A new or changing mole on your foot or ankle A wound that isn't healing after 2–3 weeks Dark streaking under a toenail Bleeding, oozing, or crusting that appears spontaneously Any lesion that itches, bleeds, or changes rapidly The Bottom Line: Peace of Mind at CFFAI Foot cancer is rare, but it's real. The overwhelming majority of foot lumps and skin changes that Lake Mary residents worry about turn out to be benign. However, early detection of any serious condition is life saving . Dr. Carli Hoover at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute in Lake Mary is trained to spot the difference and guide you toward the right care. Rather than worry at home, get a professional evaluation and enjoy complete peace of mind. Your feet have carried you through life—they deserve expert