Melanoma on the Foot and Lower Limb: What You Should Know

Why is early detection important?

Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that can spread if left untreated. Prompt assessment of suspicious or changing lesions is important.

Warning signs

Look for change in size, shape or colour, asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colours, an evolving lesion, bleeding, itching, pain or a sore that does not heal. A dark streak beneath a nail without a clear injury also deserves assessment.

How suspicious lesions are assessed

A health professional may review medical and family history, sun exposure and changes to the lesion and examine the feet and lower legs. Suspicious lesions should be referred promptly to a GP or dermatologist. Biopsy is required to confirm a diagnosis.

Types that can affect the feet

• Superficial spreading melanoma.
• Nodular melanoma.
• Lentigo maligna melanoma.
• Acral lentiginous melanoma, including lesions on soles or beneath nails.
• Amelanotic melanoma, which may be pink or skin-coloured.
• Desmoplastic melanoma.

Protecting your skin

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing, avoid excessive UV exposure and include the soles, toes and spaces between the toes in routine skin checks.

The Footpath Health approach

Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Depending on the problem, that next step may be self-management, podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment, imaging or specialist care.