When the average person hears the words "skin cancer", they think of cancers of the face, arms, back, or even legs. People oftentimes don't realize that skin cancers can affect the feet and even the toenails. If you are seeing certain changes to the skin and nails of your feet, see a foot doctor immediately for testing. Here are 7 types of skin cancers found in the feet.
7 Types of Skin Cancer Found in Feet
Subungual Melanoma
Subungual melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is found underneath the nails. This is a rare type of cancer that makes up about 0.7% to 3.5% of all melanoma cases.
A quick fact, reggae superstar, Bob Marley died from this form of melanoma in his big toe, specifically Acral Lentiginous Melanoma.
Subungual melanoma looks like a black streak under the nail. Oftentimes, it is mistaken as nail trauma or just normal pigmentation changes. This black streak often will spread to the surrounding skin, turning this black as well. This black streak never gets better, it stays constant or gets worse.
Like with all cancers, Early detection is key. Subungual melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer but is relatively rare on the foot. It's still a possibility to be diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma or BCC of the foot, so I wanted to include it today in this post.
BCC usually looks like flesh-colored bumps on the skin. In fairer-skinned individuals, the bumps can look shiny or have sometimes blood vessels that can be seen inside of them. Sometimes BCC will look like a wound or ulcer that is chronic and never heals.
BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads. BCC though can cause a lot of damage in the area where it is located if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma or SCC is the most common type of skin cancer found in feet. Squamous Cell Carcinoma or SCC on the foot can look like dry patches, like a wart, or even an ulcer that doesn't heal. Because of this, SCC can be misdiagnosed as other skin issues.
SCC can be more aggressive than other skin cancers of the foot, and because of this, it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant Melanoma is rare, but this form of skin cancer found in feet is the most dangerous due to it usually spreading quickly. Early diagnosis, with all skin cancers of the foot, but especially Malignant Melanoma is key for survival.
Malignant Melanoma usually looks like an odd-shaped or colored mole or mark. On the foot, it can sometimes look like dark streaks under the toenails (subungual melanoma) or patches of skin with a very different color than the surrounding skin.
Plantar Verrucous Carcinoma
Plantar Verrocuous Carcinoma is a rare type of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) that is found on the soles of the feet. Plantar Verrucous Carcinoma can look like a plantar warts.
Plantar Verrucous Carcinoma can spread into deeper parts of your foot if not treated. Early detection is key.
Kaposi's Sarcoma
Kaposi's Sarcoma is a very rare cancer that can be found in the skin, including the feet, of people who are immunocompromised or have weakened immune systems.
Kaposi's Sarcoma looks like purple, red, or brown marks that can be flat or raised, on the soles of the feet, or even the palms of the hands.
Kaposi's Sarcoma is seen in people who have HIV/AIDS, but can be found in people without this disease.
Bowen’s Disease (In Situ SCC)
Bowen's Disease is also a form of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) contained to the outer layer of the skin, surrounding the nail.
Bowen's Disease can look like a red, scaly, or crusty patch near the nail bed. Bowen's Disease can grow slowly and possibly will look like eczema or a fungal infection.
Bowen's Disease is treatable when found early but can progress to severe SCC if left untreated.
Key Takeaways
As you can see, there are several different types of skin cancers that can be found in the feet. Is its so important to be mindful of any changes you see going on to the skin and nails of your feet. If you are being treated for a skin condition that is not getting better, to seek a 2nd opinion, in order to make sure that nothing major is being missed.
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Are you in need of a podiatrist in Phoenix AZ? Hello, I am Dr. Tarr the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona in Tempe. To view my available appointment times, click here.
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