Foot loss due to skin melanoma is a serious health concern, especially if not detected and treated promptly. This article provides crucial information on melanoma symptoms, causes, and prevention, focusing on the case of Ms. K.T.P. (54, Hanoi), who nearly lost her foot due to a small dark spot on her heel.
From a Small Dark Spot to Foot Loss Risk
Ms. K.T.P., 54, from Hanoi, faced the threat of losing her foot due to a small dark spot on her heel, diagnosed as melanoma. Initially, this lesion caused no pain, leading her to be complacent and delay seeking medical attention. However, after more than three months, the dark spot ulcerated and spread rapidly, alarmingly increasing the risk.
Upon admission to the hospital, the lesion had grown to 8x8cm, located on the main weight-bearing area of the heel. This made reconstructive surgery extremely challenging and high-risk.
Reconstructive Surgery: Preserving Mobility
Fortunately, the medical team used a heel-area skin flap and retrograde arterial nourishment technique. After 3 days, the skin flap recovered well, and the wound quickly stabilized, helping Ms. K.T.P. regain mobility.
Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Linh, MD, highlighted: “Prompt and appropriate intervention helped almost fully preserve the patient’s mobility.”
The Dangers of Delaying Treatment
Before seeking treatment from this medical team, Ms. K.T.P. had received treatment at other medical facilities using injection-stitching and self-treatment with electrical burning. Incorrect treatment and delayed visits to the doctor resulted in the lesion spreading, ulcerating, and causing pain and difficulty with daily activities.
Skin Melanoma: Characteristics and Prevention
Dr. Dương Mạnh Chiến, reconstructive surgery specialist, explained: Melanoma often develops subtly like a mole but progresses rapidly and dangerously. Its lack of pain or itching leads many people to be complacent. Prompt and complete surgical removal is essential to prevent the spread of cancer cells.
Specifically, the heel, an often-overlooked area, is prone to undetected lesions. Melanoma is not responsive to chemotherapy or radiation; complete surgical removal from the start is crucial.
Recognizing Skin Melanoma Signs
To detect melanoma early, people should pay attention to unusual changes in pigmented spots, especially moles, such as changes in size, shape, color, or pain and itching. If an unusual lesion is found, seek immediate medical care at a specialist facility for accurate diagnosis.
Never attempt to touch, poke, cut, or biopsy a suspicious lesion without consulting a doctor. These actions can stimulate melanoma cell spread.
Conclusion
Melanoma is a dangerous disease that can lead to loss of mobility or even death if not detected and treated promptly. Proactively seeking medical attention and treatment immediately upon noticing unusual skin lesions, particularly pigmented spots, is essential.
