Skin Cancer of the Foot and Ankle
There are 3 distinct types of cancers that appear on the skin of the foot: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Each type of cancer has unique presentations which allows the physician to distinguish the difference. Treatment of skin cancer can vary depending on type, location, and age of the patient. Some treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical excision.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, appearing on sun exposed areas. It presents as a smooth, raised bump, or a sore that does not heal. It rarely metastasizes or causes death because it grows slowly.
Squamous cell carcinoma appears in sun exposed areas as thick, red, scaly patches, or as bleeding ulcers. In some instances, it may spread to other areas of the body.
Melanoma begins in the cells of the skin that produces pigment for the color of the skin. This type of cancer is the most serious, and is known to spread to other areas of the body.
There are 3 distinct types of cancers that appear on the skin of the foot: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Each type of cancer has unique presentations which allows the physician to distinguish the difference. Treatment of skin cancer can vary depending on type, location, and age of the patient. Some treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical excision.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, appearing on sun exposed areas. It presents as a smooth, raised bump, or a sore that does not heal. It rarely metastasizes or causes death because it grows slowly.
Squamous cell carcinoma appears in sun exposed areas as thick, red, scaly patches, or as bleeding ulcers. In some instances, it may spread to other areas of the body.
Melanoma begins in the cells of the skin that produces pigment for the color of the skin. This type of cancer is the most serious, and is known to spread to other areas of the body.