3 Cancers That Can Affect Your Feet

Cancerous lesions on the feet can look a lot like other benign skin problems. Since melanoma can spread quickly and be fatal, you should have all skin growths on your feet evaluated by your podiatrist. It’s important to make sure that something that looks like a mole or blister isn’t something more dangerous.

3 types of skin cancer that can affect your feet include the following:

1)    Malignant melanoma—This is the most frequently fatal type of skin cancer since it can go unnoticed and spread rapidly. The growths often resemble other skin conditions and the tumors often grow into the lower parts of the skin. Once there, the cancerous cells can spread through the blood and lymphatic systems to other parts of the body.

2)    Basal cell carcinoma—Basal cell tumors grow very slowly and may first appear like a little pink or white bump resembling a wart. If you notice the size and color changing rather quickly, it could be cancer so see your foot care professional.

3)    Squamous cell carcinoma—Squamous cells are located in the upper layers of the skin. A hallmark of this type of tumor is a protrusion from the skin that looks like a horn.

Be careful to monitor your skin for growths that look unusual. Keep in mind, however, that even normal looking warts and other skin conditions can actually be cancerous, so be sure to see your foot doctor. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX, is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.