In early February we recognized World Cancer Day to raise awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. Many people are aware of the dangers of cancer and regularly screen for symptoms but forget about the feet. Your feet, however, just like every other part of your body, are vulnerable to cancer. Let’s look at what you need to know.

Although rarely exposed to the sun, even the soles of your feet are at risk for skin cancer. This is because there are other factors besides exposure to sunlight involved, such as a history of skin cancer in the family, or exposure to harsh chemicals.

There are three types of skin cancer found in the foot and ankle:

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

These are the most common form of skin cancer in the feet. Initially, they won’t spread, but the growths may be itchy. They are easily mistaken as a  simple plantar wart, eczema, or fungal infection.

2. Malignant Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most common types of cancer. It can be dangerous because if not detected early it can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system and blood vessels. Melanomas may appear in various forms, including moles, ingrown toenails, bruises, plantar warts, ulcers, or blood blisters.

3. Basal Cell Carcinoma

This cancer is usually caused by sun exposure, so it is rarely found on the feet. They tend not to spread and can look like non-cancerous skin tumors or benign ulcers.

If you notice any of these symptoms it’s vital not to delay contacting an experienced podiatrist right away.

You can count on the Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC foot doctors to provide care for your feet using a full range of both conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serve patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including onsite digital x-ray, ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics.

For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at one of our Southeast Michigan facilities in Monroe 734-241-0200, and Lambertville 734-856-8900, in Bedford and Monroe counties. Don’t forget we make house calls.