What are the early signs of skin cancer that might appear on the feet?

Early skin cancer signs on the feet often go unnoticed because people rarely examine the soles, toes, and under toenails. Concerning early signs include: a new or changing mole or pigmented lesion (especially using the ABCDE criteria — Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolution), a slow-growing pearly or waxy bump (basal cell carcinoma), a firm red or flesh-colored nodule that may develop a crust or ulcerate (squamous cell carcinoma), dark discoloration under or around a toenail that doesn't grow out with the nail (possible subungual melanoma), or any non-healing sore on the foot. Balance Foot & Ankle (810) 206-1402 performs foot skin cancer screening at offices in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208).

What is Mohs surgery and is it used for foot skin cancers?

Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold-standard treatment for skin cancers in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas where tissue preservation is critical. In Mohs surgery: thin layers of cancer-containing tissue are removed and immediately examined under microscope while the patient waits — the surgeon removes only cancerous tissue and continues layer by layer until the margins are completely clear. Cure rates: 99% for primary basal cell carcinoma, 97% for squamous cell carcinoma. For foot skin cancers, particularly those on the toes, plantar surface, or periungual (around the nail) area, Mohs surgery is preferred because the foot has limited tissue to spare and preservation of function is critical. A podiatrist at Balance Foot & Ankle identifies suspicious lesions and coordinates with Mohs surgeons for appropriate cases.

How is a skin cancer biopsy done on the foot?

Skin cancer biopsy procedures for foot lesions: shave biopsy (for raised lesions — a thin shave of the surface, good for basal and squamous cell carcinomas), punch biopsy (a circular punch tool removes a core of skin — good for flat pigmented lesions and deeper samples), excisional biopsy (complete removal of small suspicious lesions with a margin — removes and diagnoses simultaneously), and incisional biopsy (partial sample for large lesions). All performed under local anesthetic. The tissue goes to a pathologist who examines it under microscope to determine if cancer cells are present and the cancer type and grade. Healing takes 1–4 weeks depending on biopsy size and location. Balance Foot & Ankle performs skin biopsies on foot lesions when warranted — suspicious lesions are never left uninvestigated.

What is the survival rate for melanoma found on the foot?

Melanoma prognosis depends critically on stage at diagnosis — early detection dramatically improves survival: Stage 1 (less than 2mm depth, no spread) — 5-year survival over 95%. Stage 2 (deeper but no spread) — 70–85% 5-year survival. Stage 3 (regional lymph node involvement) — 50–70%. Stage 4 (distant metastasis) — 15–20%. Acral lentiginous melanoma (the type occurring on soles and under nails) has worse outcomes than other melanoma subtypes primarily because of delayed diagnosis — by the time it's found, it's often deeper. This makes regular foot self-examination and professional foot skin screening critical. Monthly self-examination of the sole, toes, and under toenails takes 1 minute but can save lives. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for any suspicious foot lesion.

When should a podiatrist be involved in skin cancer management of the foot?

Podiatrists are often the first to identify suspicious foot skin lesions because they examine feet comprehensively at every visit — areas often missed in standard dermatologic body exams. Podiatric involvement in foot skin cancer management: identifying suspicious lesions and referring promptly to dermatology or oncology, performing preliminary biopsies when appropriate, managing wound care after Mohs surgery or excision of foot cancers, providing special footwear and offloading after tissue removal affecting weight-bearing surfaces, rehabilitation and gait assessment after foot skin cancer surgery, and ongoing surveillance of the operative site and adjacent areas. The team at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills — Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM — takes foot skin cancer seriously and acts promptly on suspicious findings.

Early stage skin cancer signs biopsy Mohs surgery podiatrist

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy

Quick Answer

Early Stage Skin Cancer Signs [Skin Cancer Biopsy & Moh relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.

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✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Early Stage Skin Cancer Signs [Skin Cancer Biopsy & Moh’s Surgery]

Early Stage Skin Cancer Signs [Skin Cancer Biopsy & Moh's Surgery]

🦶We review diagnosis of early stage skin cancer signs. We also review Moh’s surgery and skin cancer biopsy]
🦶

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it’s important to catch it early to increase the chances of successful treatment. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Early signs of skin cancer can include:

Changes in the appearance of moles or other spots on the skin, such as changes in size, shape, color, or texture.

Sores that do not heal, or that heal and then come back.

Red, scaly patches or raised bumps that may itch or bleed.

Rough or scaly patches on the lips or ears.

New growths on the skin that are not easily explained.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to see a dermatologist or healthcare professional as soon as possible for evaluation and possible biopsy. If skin cancer is diagnosed, treatment options may include:

Surgical removal: This involves cutting out the cancerous tissue and surrounding margin of healthy skin.

Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

Topical medications: These are applied to the skin to kill cancer cells.

Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.

Mohs surgery: This is a specialized surgical procedure that removes the cancerous tissue layer by layer until no more cancer cells are found.

Prevention is the best approach to skin cancer. You can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by protecting your skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade, and avoiding tanning beds. Additionally, regular skin checks and prompt evaluation of any suspicious spots can help detect skin cancer early when it’s most treatable.
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DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Tomasz Biernacki received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine in 2013; he completed his Surgical Reconstructive Foot Surgery & Podiatric Medicine Residency in 2017; he completed 2 separate traveling Fellowships in Diabetic Surgery, Skin Grafting & Nerve Surgery. He is double board certified in Podiatric Medicine and separately in Foot & Ankle Surgery. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” about himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Biernacki is a licensed podiatrist in Michigan. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Biernacki and you. It would be best if you did not change your health regimen or diet before consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Michigan Podiatric Care at Balance Foot & Ankle: Expert Treatment for Every Foot Condition

Michigan patients with any foot or ankle concern — from acute injuries and chronic pain to preventive care and high-risk foot management — receive expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our fellowship-trained podiatrists provide comprehensive evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment that addresses root causes rather than simply managing symptoms. We are committed to transparent communication: patients always understand their diagnosis, their treatment options, and realistic expectations before any intervention is undertaken.

Related Treatment Guides

Our Howell office (4330 E Grand River) serves Livingston County, and our Bloomfield Hills office (43494 Woodward Ave #208) serves Oakland County. Both locations offer in-office X-ray, same-week new patient scheduling, and the full range of conservative and surgical podiatric services. We accept all major Michigan insurance plans and verify coverage before appointments — no insurance surprises at check-in. Michigan patients ready to take the next step toward better foot health can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule today.

Medical References & Sources

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Clinical References

Bristow IR, et al. “Acral lentiginous melanoma of the foot and ankle: a case series.” J Foot Ankle Res. 2009;2:7.
Bradford PT, et al. “Acral lentiginous melanoma: incidence and survival patterns.” Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(4):427-434.
American Cancer Society. “Skin cancer prevention and early detection.” ACS Guidelines. 2023.

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Howell, MI 48843

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.

Quick Answer

Early Stage Skin Cancer Signs [Skin Cancer Biopsy & Moh’s Surgery]