When you hear the word cancer, you probably don’t associate the condition with your feet. Unfortunately foot cancer is a reality for thousands of Americans each and every year. Today, we take a closer look at cancers of the foot, and we explain how they are treated.
Skin Cancer of the Feet
Successful treatment of skin cancer comes down to catching the problem in an early stage, but that’s not always easy to do. Skin cancers of the feet are often painless, although they may have a history of cracking or bleeding. When it comes to checking your feet for cancer, you should always remember the ABCD’s of skin cancer. Look for moles that are:
- Asymmetrical
- Border irregularities
- Color changes
- Diameter larger than a pencil head eraser (or one that appears to be growing)
Most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet ray exposure from the sun, but since the feet typically don’t receive a lot of direct sunlight (especially here in Minnesota), there are other causes that can lead to cancer development. Some common causes of skin cancer on the feet include the spread of viruses, chemical exposure, chronic inflammation or genetics.
Types of Skin Cancers of the Feet
There are a couple of different types of skin cancers that can develop on your feet and toes. They include:
Basal Cell Carcinoma – This type of cancer is frequently caused by UV exposure in skin areas that receive a lot of sunlight. It’s not all that common on the feet, and it is not a very aggressive form of cancer. They often appear as white or cream colored bumps on the skin and may ooze from time to time.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas – A squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer of the feet. They typically stay contained to the feet, but in their most advanced stages their can spread throughout the body. It may resemble a plantar’s wart or a foot ulcer, and it may feel scaly. Talk to your doctor about any growths that appear on your foot that are similar in nature.
Malignant Melanoma – Malignant melanomas are a very deadly type of skin cancer that often require surgical intervention to treat. It is imperative that they are caught early before they spread to other areas of the body. They are generally brown or black in color and may appear on the foot or beneath the toenail, so perform regular foot checks.
Treating Foot Cancer
If you notice any odd developments or lesions on your foot, it is in your best interest to have it examined by a foot specialist. They’ll be able to conduct a biopsy to determine if the growth is cancerous. From there, your doctor will be able to walk you through your treatment options.
As we noted above, conservative treatment isn’t always effective, so surgical removal may be your best option. The goal of surgery is to completely remove the cancer while keeping as much of the healthy skin tissue as possible. After removal, you will return for follow up appointments to ensure the cancer has not returned, but oftentimes surgery has great results if the cancer is caught before it spreads.
The best way to stop foot cancer is to prevent it from developing in the first place. Put sunscreen on your feet if you’re going barefoot or wearing sandals, and perform regular foot checks. By doing this and reporting any concerns to your doctor when they are first discovered, we’re confident foot cancer won’t be an issue for you. For more information or to reach out to Dr. Silverman with a question, send him a message below.
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