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, this does not hold true for those that arise on the skin of the feet. Skin cancers of the feet are more often related to viruses, exposure to chemicals, chronic inflammation or irritation, or inherited traits. Unfortunately, the skin of the feet is often overlooked during routine medical examinations, and for this reason, its important that feet are checked regularly for abnormalities which might be indicative of evolving skin cancer.
Some of the most common cancers of the lower extremity are:
- Basal Cell Carcinomas
(BCC) usually occurs on areas that are exposed to the sun. On the skin of the lower legs and feet, BCC often resembles non-cancerous skin tumors or benign ulcers.
- Squamous Cell Carcinomas
may appear as a small, scaly bump or plaque which may be inflamed. It may look like a callus and have a history of repeated bleeding or cracking. It may resemble a plantar wart, fungal infection, eczema, or a skin ulcer that doesn’t heal.
- 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. This skin cancer commonly begins as a small brown-black spot or bump, that may resemble a common mole.
Skin cancers in the lower extremity may have a very different appearance from those arising on the rest of the body. For that reason, please have your moles and skin lesions checked.
Learn the ABCDs of skin cancer:
- A
symmetry – The sides don’t match.
- B
order – It looks uneven or ragged.
- C
olor – It has more than one color. These colors may have an uneven distribution.
- D
iameter – They appear wider than a pencil eraser. Also, look for ulceration, craters, donut-shaped edges, bleeding, or slow healing if the lesion is ulcerated. Any mole on the toes or the bottom of the foot is suspicious.
It is important to check your feet daily. Look carefully at all areas, including between the toes, the soles of the feet and the nail bed underneath the nails. If you find anything suspicious or worrisome, contact your
Alexandria VA podiatristimmediately.