What Are Skin Cancers Of the Feet?

By Nicole Testani, DPM

Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, including in the lower extremities. Skin cancers of the feet are painless, and often there is a history of recurrent cracking, bleeding, or ulceration.

Causes

We often view the sun's harmful rays as the primary cause of skin cancer of the feet, however, causes are more often related to viruses, exposure to chemicals, chronic inflammation or irritation, or inherited traits.

Types and Symptoms

Some of the most common cancers of the feet are

Basal Cell Carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma frequently is seen on sun-exposed skin surfaces. With feet, it occurs there less often. This form of skin cancer is one of the least aggressive cancers in the body.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer on the skin of the feet. Squamous cell cancer may resemble a plantar wart, a fungal infection, eczema, an ulcer, or other common skin conditions of the foot.

Malignant Melanoma Malignant melanoma is one of the deadliest skin cancers known. Melanomas may occur on the skin of the feet and on occasion beneath a toenail and may spread through the body through the lymphatics and blood vessels.

Malignant melanoma, “The Great Masquerader,” has many potential appearances. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends the ABCDs of melanoma. If you notice a mole, bump, or patch on the skin that meets any of the following criteria, see a podiatrist immediately

Asymmetry – If the lesion is divided in half, the sides don't match.

Borders – Borders look scalloped, uneven, or ragged.

Color – There may be more than one color. These colors may have an uneven distribution.

Diameter – The lesion is wider than a pencil eraser (greater than 6 mm).

To detect other types of skin cancer, look for spontaneous ulcers and non-healing sores, bumps that crack or bleed, nodules with rolled or “donut-shaped” edges, or scaly areas.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your podiatrist will investigate the possibility of skin cancer both through a clinical examination and with the use of a skin biopsy.

Prevention

Limit sun exposure, and make sure to apply appropriate sunscreen.

When to Visit a Podiatrist

Podiatrists are uniquely trained as lower extremity specialists to recognize and treat abnormal conditions on the skin of the lower legs and feet, including the early detection of both benign and malignant skin tumors.