Journal of foot and ankle research
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Diabetic Foot: A Review of Published Case Reports
By Carroll MR and Bristow IR.
Abstract
Introduction
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumour arising from epidermal keratinocytes and is the second most common form of skin cancer globally. Although relatively rare on the foot, SCC and its variants may occur in people with diabetes and can mimic common diabetes-related foot ulcerations. This diagnostic overlap presents a risk of delayed recognition and treatment. The aim of this review was to synthesise published case reports of SCC occurring in the diabetic foot and to describe patient characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes.
Methods
A review of case reports was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and SCOPUS) were searched up to September 2025 using relevant terms for SCC and its variants. Studies describing clinical cases of SCC arising on the foot in individuals with diabetes were included.