While skin cancer is most common on the upper body, skin cancer on the foot is possible as well, especially since many people forget to apply sunscreen to their feet and toes. Taking care of the skin on your feet is equally as important as any other body part, so let’s take a look at what early stage skin cancer on the foot looks like and what you can do to protect yourself. 

Skin Cancer on Foot or Toe

There are three forms of skin cancer that can appear anywhere on the body, including the feet, toes, and ankles:

• Basal cell carcinoma: as the most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma can appear in a variety of ways. For skin cancer on foot, it may look like pearly white patches that may or may not ooze. 
• Squamous cell carcinoma: this second most common form may resemble many other affiliations associated with the foot, including plantar warts and fungal infections. Small, scaly bumps that crack or bleed are possible, as well as hard calluses along the feet or toes. 
• Melanoma: melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer as it’s more likely to spread to surrounding body parts. Melanoma can appear on both the tops of soles of feet, and often starts as a dark brown or black spot resembling a mole. From there, it may change in size, shape, and color, expanding its borders in an irregular pattern. 

While skin cancer on the toe or foot can be caused by too much sunlight exposure, this particular area of the body may also see cancer development through other factors, such as: 

• Certain viruses
• Exposure to harmful chemicals
• Chronic inflammation 
• Genetic makeup 

Early Stage Skin Cancer on Foot 

Feet are sometimes overlooked during physical exams, and with certain skin cancers mimicking the appearance of other issues, it can be more difficult to diagnose skin cancer on the foot. Skin cancer may or may not come with physical discomforts such as itching or sensitivity, so when is it time to seek professional help? Patients who are experiencing sores or wounds that crack or bleed and refuse to heal may have early stage skin cancer on their foot, and should schedule a visit with a podiatrist or dermatologist as soon as possible. 

Learn About Treatment for Skin Cancer on Feet With GentleCure

If you’ve received a skin cancer on foot or toe diagnosis, you do have treatment options. IG-SRT, or Image Guided Superficial Radiotherapy, is a surgery-free treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. Want to learn more? Our Skin Cancer Information Specialists can answer your questions at 855-936-4411. Discover how it works today.