Skin lesions on the soles of the feet are uncommon, and so most GPs will very seldom see them. But they should be taken seriously because they could well be a sort of skin cancer called a malignant melanoma.

There are several types of malignant melanoma. The type that occurs on the sole of the foot is called an acral lentiginous melanoma, or ALM.

ALMs can also develop on the palm of the hand, or in the skin around the nail folds on the hand or foot.

Overall ALMs make up about 4 out of every 100 malignant melanomas (which means there are about 300 new cases each year in the UK). But in African Caribbeans they account for 7 out 10 of all malignant melanomas, and in people from the Indian subcontinent they make up nearly half of all the malignant melanomas that are diagnosed.

ALMS tend to occur in a slightly older age group than other types of melanoma: the average age when they occur is about 60. They also tend to be quite aggressive, so it is important that they are diagnosed, and treated, quickly.

For this reason anyone who gets a mole, or dark patch of skin, on the sole of the foot, the palm of the hand, or the skin around a nail, which begins to change colour, itch, bleed or grow, should see their doctor immediately.

If, as in your case, your family doctor does not send you urgently to see a skin specialist (a dermatologist) then you should ask them to refer you. If they still refuse you should try asking for a second opinion from another doctor in the practice, or go directly to the casualty department at your local hospital to be checked out. It is very important that you do get a firm diagnosis, one way or the other, as soon as possible.