Skin Cancers of the Foot

Let’s shed light (but not too much) on a topic that is often overlooked. That is the topic of skin cancers and unknow skin lesions of the feet and lower legs. No one knows for sure 100% of the time what a lesion on the skin is unless it is examined under a microscope by a pathologist. That is why educating yourself on what to look for and protecting yourself from the sun are so important.
There are several things that you can look for yourself that can raise or lower your level of suspicion about this “mole”:
A - Asymmetry – normal moles are usually round or oval
B – Borders – normal moles have even borders
C – Color – normal moles are usually a consistent shade of brown
D - Diameter – normal moles are usually less than ¼” and don’t grow
E – Evolution – normal moles remain the same for years
This A-E type of description is specific for melanoma. Other skin cancers may have red patches with open or bleeding crusts or scabs that heal then re-open. They may appear wart-like or have a scar-like appearance that is white, yellow, or waxy. Also, looking for “moles” that look different from surrounding moles raises suspicion.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma are two other prevalent skin cancers.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common and if caught in early stages is almost 100% curable. Look out for an irritated or red patch, a shiny nodule or pinkish growth, or even a lesion with a crusted, indented center. In dark haired people they can even be confused with a mole. Most importantly look for white-yellow waxy appearing scar like area with abnormal borders. This can indicate that the tumor underneath is larger than it appears.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. As with other skin cancers increased sun exposure increases risk of development. Many of these (40-60%) cancers begin as precancerous growths known as Actinic Keratoses or Solar Keratoses that range in size from 1mm to 1 inch and in color from brown to red. 2-10%of Actinic Keratoses progress to Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The carcinoma typically appears as persistent roughened and thick scaly occasionally bleeding patch. They can be mistaken for warts or skin ulcerations that don’t heal as expected.
To accurately diagnose a skin lesion a biopsy is taken. If it is small enough, then the entire lesion is usually excised. If it is a larger lesion, then a 2-millimeter punch biopsy is done. The lesion is then sent to the lab which reports on it in 3-5 days. This will dictate care from that point on.
This article has provided some basic information on what to look for. Do not try to be your own expert. Have a professional examine these questionable lesions.
For prevention, remember, “Slip-Slop-Slap”. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.