|
We've Moved!
It's true! I am very pleased to announce that we've moved our office from our La Jolla and Chula Vista locations to a new, state-of-the-art office that is very conveniently located. We are now in Banker's Hill, just North of downtown. You will find it very easy to come to our new office from just about anywhere in San Diego. We are just off I-5.
Easy Directions
Here's how to get here:
Going South on I-5, take the Front St/Civic Center exit and turn left at Cedar, which is the first street you will see coming off the freeway (don't take the Second Ave branch). After turning onto Cedar, you turn left again in one block onto First Ave and go North on First for half a block past the next traffic light at Elm.
Coming North on I-5, take the 6th Ave exit (you will be on Elm) and continue through straight ahead to First Ave and turn right at First Ave.
Our building is in the middle of the block (1855), and you may park at meters or on the street directly across from our building. We are in suite number 200 along with several other physicians. |
|
Skin Cancer of the Foot and Ankle: An Epidemic
Skin cancer of the legs, ankles, and feet are some of the most overlooked cancers.
They are found in locations where most people consider skin cancers unlikely. Over 90% of skin cancers appear on sun-exposed skin, usually found on the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands, but an alarming number are also found in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Why does sun cause skin cancer?
Overexposure to sunlight damages the top layer, or epidermis of the skin. The most dangerous skin cancer is called melanoma, meaning a tumor of pigment producing cells. Melanomas can spread early to the lungs, liver, and brain making it a rapidly fatal cancer. Most melanomas can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas occur commonly on the forehead, lips, and hands. These cancers can spread and early treatment is critical.
Basal Cell Carcinomas rarely spread to distant structures, but, if untreated, can destroy large portions of the face, scalp, nose, ears, and vast areas of skin. They can result in gross disfigurement if not treated early. Fair skinned people are at greater risk for these cancers.
My heartfelt advice:
1. We live in a sunny paradise and as a result, have a very high incidence of skin cancer. So, please, have your moles and skin lesions checked. To put off doing so could be fatal. After age 40, ask your primary care physician or dermatologist to do a yearly skin check, all over. Don't be modest about this. Your life could be at stake. I routinely check you for suspicious moles and lesions on your legs, ankles, and feet, so you need at least a yearly check-up with me.
2. If you are in the Southern California area, take advantage of our Skin Cancer Outreach Program by calling for an appointment for a complimentary check-up and skin cancer screening exam. We will offer this service to the public as well, so tell your friends and family.
3. Use sun blocks to protect your exposed skin, even in winter and don't forget your legs and feet if they will be exposed!
4. Learn the ABCDs of skin cancer:
Asymmetry: sides don't match
Border: uneven or ragged looking
Color: more than one color
Diameter: bigger than a pencil eraser
Also, look for ulceration, craters, donut edges, bleeding, and slow healing if ulcerated. Any mole on the bottom of the foot is suspicious.
For more information about the care of your feet and ankles, please visit our website at www.SDFootDoctor.com.
We are offering a complimentary check-up and skin cancer screening outreach.
So, please come on in for your free check-up and screening exam and bring a friend or family member as well. We want to save lives with this screening due to the epidemic of skin cancers in Southern California. We expect many calls for the limited number of free check-ups, so please let us hear from you right away. Call (619) 231-1797 and tell the staff medical assistant that you want the free screening exam. We can set up an appointment and see you (sometimes same day).
|
Nothing is More Important Than Your Health
Please remember that the natural condition of your feet and ankles is pain-free. So many people live with pain and problems with their feet because they just think that there isn't anything that can be done. I want to assure you that in virtually every case there IS something that can be done to solve your problems with your feet and ankles. Believe me when I tell you the you don't have to suffer from foot pain or problems. |
