What Are The Types Of Skin Cancer On Feet
Basal Cell Carcinoma : Frequently seen on sun-exposed skin and typically results from excessive Ultraviolet radiation exposure from sunlight or sunbed use. It does not usually spread beyond the skin and it is one of the least aggressive cancers. This may appear as a pearly/white bump/patches that may ooze or crust and have an appearance of an open sore.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma : The most common form of cancer of the feet. This is usually confined to the skin and does not spread. However, when advanced it can become more aggressive and spread throughout the body. This form of cancer often begins as a small, scale-like bump that may crack or bleed. Sometimes it may be inflamed. It can be painless, but sometimes itchy and can have a hard projecting callus-like lesion.
Malignant Melanoma: One of the deadliest forms of skin cancers and the key to survival is early detection. This can appear on any areas of the foot, including under toenails. They are commonly found on both the soles and the top of the feet. As this cancer grows it extends deeper into the skin.
This kind of cancer is nicknamed, The Great Masquerader as it has many appearances. Melanoma commonly begins as a small brown-black spot or bump. It will appear to have an asymmetry, irregular borders, alterations in colour and a diameter greater than 6mm.
Check Every Part Of Your Feet For Signs Of Melanoma
Pay close attention to places on your feet that have been injured. Even if the injury was years ago, examine the area carefully.
Research has shown that a foot injury may increase your risk of developing melanoma. Bob Marley, a legendary reggae artist, developed melanoma on his foot. Its believed that the melanoma began where he had injured his foot while playing soccer. He later died of melanoma.
Signs And Symptoms Of Cancer
Signs and symptoms are ways the body lets you know that you have an injury, illness, or disease.
- A sign, such as fever or bleeding, can be seen or measured by someone else.
- A symptom, such as pain or fatigue, is felt or noticed by the person who has it.
Signs and symptoms of cancer depend on where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it affects nearby organs or tissues. If a cancer has spread , signs or symptoms may appear in different parts of the body.
Recommended Reading: Open Wound On Bottom Of Foot
Treatment Options For A Bone Tumor Of The Foot
Some benign bone tumors of the foot may not require treatment. For instance, a benign bone tumor that occurs in a child may resolve over time.
Monitoring of the tumor may be all that is needed. Some people with bone tumors can be treated effectively with medication. Others, such as those with osteochondroma, may require surgery. Excision of the tumor often solves the problem, although bone tumors can recur.
For people with malignant bone tumors, treatment may involve several specialists and a combination of interventions, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. The surgeon will need to take out the tumor and some of the healthy tissue and bone around it.
In some instances, the excised bone can be replaced with a metallic implant or bone transplant . In cases of advanced bone cancer, amputation of the foot may be necessary.
After you have been treated for a bone tumor, you will have to return for follow-up and undergo more radiographic testing so your doctor can make sure that the treatment was successful and that the tumor has not recurred.
Medical References:
This page was last updated on October 30th, 2015
Treatment Of Foot Cancer
The treatments available for foot melanoma depend on the stage the cancer has reached and your overall state of health. If caught early enough , the mole and surrounding skin may simply be removed however, the anatomy of the foot is extremely complex, making surgery difficult if the cancer has penetrated the tissues.
For more advanced cancer, the treatment options are chemotherapy with cytotoxic drugs, immunotherapy that stimulates the immune system to attack the cancer cells, radiation therapy, or an operation called a lymphadenectomy that removes the surrounding lymph nodes. Bone cancers in the foot are typically resolved by removing the affected bone, treatment via chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Also Check: Gentle Foot And Ankle Care
When To Seek Medical Advice
See your GP if you or your child experiences persistent, severe or worsening bone pain, or if you’re worried you have any of the other symptoms of bone cancer.
While it’s highly unlikely that your symptoms are caused by cancer, it’s best to be sure by getting a proper diagnosis.
Read more about diagnosing bone cancer.
Page last reviewed: 20 June 2021 Next review due: 20 June 2024
Is Bone Cancer Usually Fatal
Not usually. Though some people will die of bone cancer, many others will make a full recovery. The five-year relative survival rate for bone cancer is 66.8%. This means that 66.8% of people with bone cancer are still alive five years after their diagnosis. Keep in mind that survival rates are only estimates based on people whove had bone cancer in the past. They cant predict how long you will live or what to expect in your unique situation. To learn more about bone cancer survival rates, talk to your healthcare provider.
Recommended Reading: Side Cut Out Ankle Booties
What Are Skin Cancers Of The Feet
Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, including in the lower extremities. Skin cancers of the feet have several features in common. Most are painless, and often there is a history of recurrent cracking, bleeding, or ulceration. Frequently, individuals discover their skin cancer after unrelated ailments near the affected site.
What Are The Signs Of Skin Cancer On Feet
What are the signs of skin cancer on feet? As we head into summer and the sunshine, its worth being aware and knowing the signs to look out for.
Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, even the feet. Its a common belief that excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. Skin cancer on the feet is caused by any number of factors as well as unprotected, prolonged Ultraviolet radiation exposure from sunlight and sunbeds.
Skin cancer on feet can be dangerous as your feet are often overlooked. There are some abnormalities that you can look out for. Most are painless but can prove to be deadly.
Possible abnormalities may include:
When skin cancer develops on the foot you may also see the ABCDEs of melanoma as well as the features mentioned above.
ABCDEs of Melanoma
- A = Asymmetry The shape may not be symmetrical
- B = Border Is this uneven?
- C = Colour Is there more than two colours?
- D = Diameter Is the area more than 5mm?
- E = Elevation Is it a raised lump?
Also Check: What Does Gout Feel Like In Your Foot
What Is Bone Cancer
Bone cancer is the term for several different cancers that develop in the bones. When cancer cells grow in a bone, it can harm normal bone tissue. The type of cell and tissue where cancer begins determines the type of bone cancer.
Cancers that form in the bone itself are called primary bone cancers. Many tumors that begin in organs or other parts of the body can spread to the bones, as well as other body parts. These growths are called secondary or metastatic bone cancers. Breast, prostate and lung tumors most commonly metastasize to the bones.
How Bone Cancer Is Treated
Treatment for bone cancer depends on the type of bone cancer you have and how far it has spread.
Most people have a combination of:
- surgery to remove the section of cancerous bone it’s often possible to reconstruct or replace the bone that’s been removed, but amputation is sometimes necessary
- chemotherapy treatment with powerful cancer-killing medicine
- radiotherapy where radiation is used to destroy cancerous cells
In some cases of osteosarcoma, a medicine called mifamurtide may also be recommended.
Read more about treating bone cancer.
Also Check: Womens Leather Ankle Boots Low Heel
How Is Bone Cancer Treated
Bone cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, whether it has spread and if so, where. People with bone cancer often work with a team of healthcare providers to treat the condition. This group includes doctors who specialize in cancer and doctors who specialize in bones and joints .
Bone cancer treatment typically involves a combination of approaches. The type and duration of these treatments vary depending on several factors, including the type of bone cancer, the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The treatments most commonly used include:
- Surgery: Your surgeon removes the tumor and some healthy tissue around it. They can also repair or rebuild affected bones with real or artificial bone grafts. Sometimes, an entire limb must be removed to treat cancer. In this case, an artificial limb can be used. Sometimes repeat surgery is needed if all of the cancer cells were not removed the first time around.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment shrinks the tumors with high doses of X-rays. Healthcare providers often use radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor so less tissue has to be removed.
- Chemotherapy: This type of treatment kills cancer cells throughout the body with medicine. People usually receive this medicine by swallowing a pill or having it injected into a vein. Your provider can use chemotherapy to treat primary bone cancers or bone cancers that have spread.
Skin Cancer Of The Feet
Successful treatment of skin cancer comes down to catching the problem in an early stage, but thats 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 ABCDs of skin cancer. Look for moles that are:
- Diameter larger than a pencil head eraser
Most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet ray exposure from the sun, but since the feet typically dont receive a lot of direct sunlight , 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.
Read Also: Pain In Left Side Of Foot
Types Of Cancer Affecting The Feet
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer found on the feet. Some of the most common types include:
- Basil cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a nonaggressive type of skin cancer that is typically caused by sun exposure. It generally stays in one spot on the foot and does not spread to other areas. It is characterized by white-colored bumps that often are scaly or seeping fluid and typically occurs on the tops of the feet.
- Malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. It can occur on the tops or bottoms of the feet, or under the toenails. It is characterized by a mole-like appearance that is either black, pink, or red. The mole may have irregular edges and look jagged. This type of cancer can spread to other areas such as the lymph nodes if not treated in its earliest stages.
- Squamous cell carcinoma. The most common type of foot cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer may first appear as a small rough patch or bump on the foot. It can also appear as an open sore. It does not typically cause pain, but can crack, bleed, or become itchy. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Not all tumors are cancerous. There are benign tumors that can develop in the feet. These can occur on the bones, nerves, and tissues of the feet. Some benign tumors do not require treatment while others may need to be removed.
Signs And Symptoms Of Bone Cancer
The information here focuses on primary bone cancers that most often are seen in adults. Information on Osteosarcoma,Ewing Tumors , and Bone Metastasis is covered separately.
There are different types of primary bone cancer. Signs and symptoms depend mainly on the type, location, and extent of the cancer.
You May Like: Foot And Ankle Specialists Of Illinois
Diagnosing And Treating Foot Skin Cancer
If you notice any unusual changes to your foot skin or nails, make an appointment with our office right away. During your foot exam, Dr. David Sullivan will identify any trouble spots, and take biopsies if necessary.
Then, if we detect skin cancer, our team will help you determine your next best steps, depending on the diagnosis. Remember, with any kind of cancer, early detection is best. So call us right away if theres any sign of trouble on your feet!
Malignant Bone Tumors Of The Foot
Bone cancer of the foot is very rare. Certain types of malignant bone tumors of the foot are reported more than others. These tumors can be aggressive. The prognosis is usually worse in patients who present with metastatic disease. A few of the more common malignant bone tumors of the foot include:
Chondrosarcoma: This tumor may occur in adults between 40 and 70 years of age. It more commonly develops in the pelvis, femur, or shoulder. When chondrosarcoma develops in the foot, it can be difficult to distinguish from an enchondroma.
Ewings sarcoma: Children and adults up to 20 years of age may have Ewings sarcoma. The tumor may be present for many months before it becomes large enough to cause pain and swelling. The chances of survival are better for those who have a bone tumor of the forefoot than those with a bone tumor of the hindfoot.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcomas of the foot can easily be misdiagnosed, especially because they almost always occur in adults, whereas most cases of osteosarcoma in other parts of the body occur in teenagers. They can occur in any bone the foot, although the calcaneus is the most commonly involved bone.
Also Check: Women’s Wide Width Ankle Boots
What Can Cause Skin Cancer On Your Foot
Skin cancer on the foot can be very dangerous if its not treated in time. Preventing it starts with avoiding excessive sun exposure and applying sunscreen every day.
Its also important to wear protective clothing and avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. A podiatrist can help you find and treat this type of cancer early.
The most common type of foot skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. This type starts out small and slowly spreads to surrounding tissues. It usually appears as a small, scaly bump or ulcer. It can also look like a wart or callus. If left untreated, it can even spread to the rest of the body.
Another type of skin cancer on the foot is melanoma. This form of skin cancer grows larger than moles and destroys healthy tissue. While there is no specific cause for melanoma, sunlight exposure and other environmental factors can lead to it. It is difficult to diagnose skin cancer on the foot.
There is no way to know if you have skin cancer or not without a skin biopsy. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a skin biopsy is absolutely necessary for diagnosing skin cancer.
A physical examination is usually the first step towards detecting skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society recommend self-examinations on a monthly basis and doctor visits on an annual basis.
Foot Skin Cancer: Causes And Symptoms
While skin cancer on the top of your foot could be caused by sun exposure, thats not the most common trigger on your feet. Instead, most skin cancers of the feet are caused by viruses, chemical exposure, chronic inflammation or your genes.
Sadly, we often delay diagnosing foot skin cancer because you dont regularly look at your feet. To avoid that problem, its crucial to learn the signs and symptoms of all the varieties of foot skin cancer.
Basal Cell CarcinomaSun-exposure causes this cancer, but its less common on your feet. Its also a less aggressive cancer, but early detection is still important. Signs of basal cell cancer include pearly white bumps or patches that look like an open sore. On your feet or lower legs, this basal cell often looks like a small tumor or ulcer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma This is the most common skin cancer of the foot. Squamous cell carcinoma begins as a small scaly bump that looks inflamed. Sometimes, it looks more like a . The spots arent usually painful, but they are itchy.
You May Like: The Foot And Ankle Store
Is There A Connection Between Osteoporosis And Bone Cancer
Yes. While osteoporosis isnt a precursor for bone cancer, many people with bone cancer develop osteoporosis as a result.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Bone cancer is rare. Being diagnosed with the condition can bring fear, frustration and uncertainty. When detected and treated early, bone cancer can be treated successfully. Talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options. You may also want to consider joining a support group. Talking with people who are going through the same thing can be beneficial for your mental, emotional and spiritual health.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/08/2021.
References
Foot Skin Cancer: What You Need To Know
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and we have an important message: you can develop skin cancer anywhere on your body and that includes your feet.
But heres the thing. Foot skin cancer looks a little different. Most times, the cancer is painless. And many people who develop skin cancer of the foot have a history of cracked feet or foot ulcers. But some have no such history. So, today, well explain what causes foot cancer. Then, well help you learn to identify cancerous foot growths. Finally, well walk you through prevention and treatment tips to keep you safe!
Also Check: Ankle And Top Of Foot Pain