Question 1

is it true a mole on bottom of foot is sign of skin cancer

Accepted Answer

Plantar mole: There are 3 types basal cell squamous cell and melanoma. The back and buttocks are more common areas for melanoma but it can occur anywhere on scalp in the eye ( eye pigment) .Sun exposure, nevi are risks .Squamous cell can also occur in sun exposed, injury/scarring/irritation  is also a risk . Basal cell occurs in sun exposed area.  f/u w/ dermatology early removal can avoid development to cancer

Question 2

i have a small circular scab on side of my foot for a while, i picked it off &theres a chunk missing with red dot present. could it be skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: It is unlikely to be skin cancer. Did you hurt that site? Was it subject to constant rubbing from shoes or something else? For now watchful waiting is appropriate. If the lesion does not bleed, ulcerate, become foul smelling or has a discharge, you may give it time to heal.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex. 
Get HPV vaccine.

Question 3

24 month old developed a dark mole on the bottom of her foot about 2 months ago. pediatrician said we shouldn't worry but to get it checked out by dermatologist. is it common for a toddler to develop skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

: "Skin cancer in a toddler" is not "common", but the lesion should be checked by a pediatric dermatologist (physician).

Question 4

i have a raised mole on my big toe nail? i think it is a mole,  or  is a blood clot.  but i just noticed it the other day.  is it skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Get it checked: I'm not sure what you mean by raised. Is it under the toe nail or next to the toe nail.? It could be due to trauma or maybe a mole or even possibly a melanoma. Please have it checked by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon as it may require a biopsy.

Question 5

how does skin cancer grow?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Skin cancer grows both sideways and. In depth. There are different kinds of skin cancers which have different patterns of growth. Basal cell carcinoma erodes the skin but rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma spreads locally but can also spread through lymph or blood vessels or even along nerve fibers. Melanoma, can spread locally and by blood, nerve amd lymph.

Question 6

how do you get skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Photodamage: Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the two most common skin cancers.  They develop due to excessive sun exposure.  In people who are otherwise healthy, these tumors do not metastasize but cause destruction by direct extension.  The 3rd most common skin cancer is malignant melanoma, fatal if metastasized.  Although some cases of melanoma are hereditary, most are also due to sun exposure.

Question 7

how does skin cancer begin?

Accepted Answer

Sun damage: With rare exception, most skin cancers are caused by sun damage.   Any new skin bump which is new, enlarging, and changing is concerning.  The older you are, and the more sun exposure you have had, the higher the risk of skin cancer.  Melanomas risk is remembered as abcd: asymmetry, irregular borders, irregular coloration, diameter >6mm.  If in doubt, have it check out by your doctor.

Question 8

how do you treat skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Skin cancers is usually treated by surgical excision. This allows you to assess that the margins are clear and will allow you to stage the tumor appropriately. Occasionally, in poor surgical candidates, non-surgical modalities may be employed.

Question 9

can skin cancer be transmitted?

Accepted Answer

No: Like other cancers, skin cancers are not transmissible.  A reasonably healthy person can't get cancer from anyone else.

Question 10

what might skin cancer look like?

Accepted Answer

New lumps or bumps: Any new skin bump which is new, enlarging, and changing is concerning.  The older you are, and the more sun exposure you have had, the higher the risk of skin cancer.  Melanomas risk is remembered as abcd: asymmetry, irregular borders, irregular coloration, diameter >6mm.  If in doubt, have a doctor look at it.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Skin cancer under toenail

A member asked:

Is it true a mole on bottom of foot is sign of skin cancer

A member asked:

I have a small circular scab on side of my foot for a while, i picked it off &theres a chunk missing with red dot present. could it be skin cancer?

A member asked:

24 month old developed a dark mole on the bottom of her foot about 2 months ago. pediatrician said we shouldn't worry but to get it checked out by dermatologist. is it common for a toddler to develop skin cancer?

A member asked:

I have a raised mole on my big toe nail? i think it is a mole, or is a blood clot. but i just noticed it the other day. is it skin cancer?

A member asked:

How does skin cancer grow?

A member asked:

How do you get skin cancer?

A member asked:

How does skin cancer begin?

A member asked:

How do you treat skin cancer?

A member asked:

Can skin cancer be transmitted?

A member asked:

What might skin cancer look like?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?