Skin Cancer of the Foot and Ankle

Skin Cancer of the Foot and Ankle

Many people are familiar that skin cancer is usually found on sun exposed areas, for example, the face, back, neck etc. Many people do not realize that skin cancer can appear on the feet and even on areas of the feet that are not sun exposed. In this blog I will discuss different types of skin cancers and how they present on the foot and ankle.

What are the common types of skin cancer that can appear on the foot and ankle?

There are three types of malignant skin cancers that I will discuss.

1.      

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer that exists; it is usually localized to one area and does not metastasis. This skin cancer is found on sun exposed areas, it can be on a leg or the top of the foot.  This cancer can appear in a variety of forms, it may appear as an open sore, a pink growth, a bump or a scar. The way to treat this cancer is via excision, or removal. Moh’s surgery, which is a special surgery to remove skin cancer, is the most effective way to completely removal all the cancer cells.

2.      Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

The second most common type of cancer is SCC. This cancer can metastasis and some patient present first with a pre-cancerous appearing lesion, called Bowen’s disease. In patients that have venous leg ulcerations, a long standing ulcer can develop SCC. Therefore, as a podiatrist when I see a long standing wound I always biopsy it to rule out SCC. This type of skin cancer presents on sun exposed area. It may appear similar to a wart and may bleed. The presentation can vary. Treatment is to remove the lesion and sometimes radiation treatment is needed.

3.      Melanoma

This type of skin cancer is the most dangerous and can spread easily. It can be found on sun exposed areas, as well on the bottom of the feet and the toenails.  When one is concerned about melanoma it is important to follow the ABCs to help with diagnosis.

Asymmetrical, Borders (irregular borders), Color (multicolored), Dimensions (larger than 6mm), Elevation (lesions that are elevated).

If you have a lesion that has any of these characteristics it is important to get it examined.

Melanoma can affect the toenails as well. In Caucasian patients, a dark band that runs along the length of the toenail is concerning. This is usually biopsied to rule out melanoma. If melanoma in the foot is found immediate consultation to an oncologist is recommended for further work up.

For more information, please visit our website at www.footnj.com