While some people enjoy both their mashed potatoes and their gravy to be a little lumpy, finding a lump on your foot is not desired by anyone! While the odds of a soft tissue mass in the foot being a life threatening cancer are very low, diagnosis should be sought to rule out the possibility and to deal with any symptoms that may be occurring due to the location of the growth.
The overall incidence of soft tissue tumors in the foot has been difficult to estimate because many of these lesions are unnoticed, or not reported because they are not causing pain or irritation. The most common soft tissue growths in the foot are ganglion cysts and plantar fibromatoses. Ganglion cysts are thought to form from an irritation of joint capsule or tendon sheath that forms a fluid filled out-pouching that eventually becomes rather dense. In the foot, these cysts most commonly develop on the top of the middle portion of the foot. The size of a ganglion cyst can change over time, growing and shrinking and even completely disappearing before returning. While these cysts are not malignant, surgical removal may become necessary if the cyst interferes with the ability to wear shoes, the movement of the foot or causes pain by impinging on nerves in the area.
Plantar fibromatosis is a disease in which lumps, or plantar fibromas develop in the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the band of connective tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes to help maintain the arch, and becomes inflamed in the common condition of plantar fasciitis. Most commonly, these bumps form in the highest point of the arch and can become painful overtime with irritation by shoe gear or the ground. While the exact cause of the development of these growths is unknown, it is believed that small cuts in the plantar fascia heal with an excessive healing response causing their formation. Plantar fibromatosiss has also been associated with epilepsy, diabetes, and a family history of their occurrence. Orthotics may be used to provide cushion and off-load the area of the mass.
While it has been estimated that only one out of 100 soft tissue lesions is malignant, any changes in a mass or development of a new mass are certainly worth being evaluated for both peace of mind and overall health. MRI imaging study or biopsy will often be deemed necessary by your podiatrist to further evaluate any mass.
Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.
Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.
