Skin Condition

Skin Cancer of the Foot & Ankle: What You Need to Know

Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, including the feet, toes, and under the nails. Unfortunately, these areas are often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis. Early detection is critical, as skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early.

At Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons, we evaluate suspicious skin lesions and provide guidance on timely treatment and referral when needed.

Many patients do not regularly examine their feet, and some lesions may resemble common conditions such as fungal infections, warts, or bruising under the nail. Because of this, potentially serious conditions like melanoma may go undiagnosed until later stages.

Common Types of Skin Cancer on the Foot

Melanoma (Most Serious)

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and can occur on any surface of the skin including the sole of the foot, between the toes, or even under the toenail (subungual melanoma).

Warning signs include:

• Dark or black streak under the nail
• Irregularly shaped or changing mole
• Multiple colors within one lesion
• Can also be colorless
• Rapid growth or bleeding

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can cause significant local tissue damage if left untreated.

How it appears on the foot:

• Pearly, shiny, or translucent bump
• Pink or flesh-colored patch
• Non-healing sore that may bleed or crust
• Lesion with rolled borders or central ulceration

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma. It has the potential to grow deeper into tissue and, in some cases, spread if not treated early.

How it appears on the foot:

• Scaly, rough, or crusted lesion
• Thickened or wart-like growth
• Persistent sore that may bleed or not heal
• Raised red patch or ulcerated area. 

Skin Lesions That Should Be Evaluated Right Away If You Notice:

• A mole or spot that is changing in size, shape, or color
• A lesion that does not heal within 2–3 weeks
• Bleeding, ulcerated, or crusted areas
• A dark streak under the nail (especially without injury)
• A “wart” that is painful, growing, or not responding to treatment

The ABCDE Rule for Melanoma. Use this simple guide when examining your skin:

• A – Asymmetry: One half does not match the other
• B – Border: Irregular or poorly defined edges
• C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven pigmentation
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about a pencil eraser)
• E – Evolving: Any change over time

Why Early Detection Matters

• Treatment is simpler
• Outcomes are significantly better
• Risk of spread is much lower

Delaying evaluation can allow cancer to progress, making treatment more complex. As foot and ankle specialists, we are trained to identify abnormal lesions and guide appropriate next steps.