Skin cancer in the lower
extremity may have a very different appearance from those arising on the rest
of the body. Podiatrists are uniquely
trained as lower extremity specialists to recognize and treat abnormal conditions
as they present themselves on the skin of the lower legs and feet.
Because of this, a
podiatrist’s knowledge and clinical training is of extreme importance for
patients in the early detection of both benign and malignant skin tumors. Some
of the common attributes of cancerous lesions include:
·
Asymmetry
– If divided in half, the sides will not match
·
Borders – They
look scalloped, uneven or ragged
·
Color – They
may have more than one color which may be unevenly distributed
·
Diameter – They
can appear wider than a pencil eraser
For 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 discrete scaly areas. If you notice a mole, bump or patch on the
skin of a friend or family member that meets any of these criteria, encourage
them to see a podiatrist immediately.
What are the Types of Skin Cancer of the Feet?
Skin cancers of the feet have
several features in common with most being painless and a history of recurrent
cracking, bleeding, or ulceration.
Frequently individuals discover their skin cancer after unrelated
ailments near the affected site. Some of
the most common cancers of the lower extremity are:
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Frequently seen on sun-exposed
skin surfaces, and with feet being significantly less exposed to the sun, Basal
cell carcinoma occurs there less often.
This form of skin cancer is one of the least aggressive cancers in the
body. It will cause local damage, but
only rarely spreads beyond the skin.
Basal cell cancers may appear as pearly white bumps or patches which may
ooze or crust being similar in appearance to an open sore. On the skin of the lower legs and feet, basal
cell cancers often resemble non-cancerous skin tumors or benign ulcers.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is
the most common form of cancer on the skin of feet and is most often confined
to the skin and do not spread, similar to basal cell carcinoma. When advanced, some can become more
aggressive and spread throughout the body.
It is important to bring attention to any new developments on your feet
to your podiatrist for early diagnosis.
Squamous cell carcinoma often begins as a small scaly bump or plaque,
which may appear inflamed. Sometimes
there is a history of recurrent cracking or bleeding as well. Occasionally they begin as a hard projecting
callus-like lesion. Though painless,
squamous cell carcinoma may be itchy. It
may also resemble a plantar wart, a fungal infection, eczema, an ulcer, or
other common dermatological conditions of the foot.
Malignant Melanoma: This is one of the deadliest skin cancers
known and nonsurgical treatments are rarely effective, remaining
experimental. This type of skin cancer
must be detected very early to ensure patient survival. Melanomas may occur on the skin of the feet
and on occasion beneath a toenail. They
are found both on the soles and on the tops of your feet. As a melanoma grows and extends deeper into
the skin, it becomes more serious and may spread throughout the body through
the lymphatics and blood vessels.
Prevention is Key
The best way to prevent skin
cancer is to avoid sunbathing and tanning salons. Sunscreen should be used frequently and
before any prolonged exposure to the sun.
All skin lesions should be checked and if changes are detected in a mole
or skin lesion, if you are even mildly suspicious about the appearance of one,
you should contact your podiatrist immediately.
People who have had melanoma once
are at an increased risk for developing it again. You should watch your skin carefully and take
note of any unusual marks or moles, especially ones that change in shape, size,
or color. Protecting your skin from
additional sun damage is very important, as well as scheduling an appointment
with your podiatrist.
