What is a tumor?
A tumor is an abnormal growth in hard or soft tissue within your body. Although tumors aren't typical, they're not necessarily dangerous.
Many tumors are benign or non-cancerous. However, a small number of tumors are malignant or cancerous. Tumors can develop nearly anywhere within your feet and ankles.
What are the different foot and ankle tumors?
Some common foot and ankle tumors include:
Ganglion cysts
Ganglion cysts are common benign tumors that usually develop in fatty tissue to cause bumps on the top part of your foot. They can be uncomfortable or painful in addition to being visually unattractive.
Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath
Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath are benign and grow slowly. They may grow on your foot soles, toes, or less commonly on the tops of your feet. They're painful bumps that can potentially make walking difficult.
Plantar fibromas
Plantar fibromas are benign nodules made of fibrous tissue. They occur within your plantar fascia, often in the middle part of your foot sole. They're not always apparent visually but can make walking painful.
Mucous Cysts
A mucous cyst is a bump that usually develops around a toe joint. Generally, this kind of benign cyst isn't painful but can sometimes cause some discomfort in your toe.
Malignant tumors
Malignant tumors, like benign ones, typically cause bumps and swelling. In cases like Ewing's sarcoma, which can cause bone tumors anywhere in the foot, symptoms are easily mistaken for an infection.
It's essential to see the Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, team as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your foot or ankle tumor.
How do you treat foot and ankle tumors?
Treatment of foot and ankle tumors depends on many factors, including the tumor type, your symptoms, whether it's stable or growing, and whether it's benign or malignant. The team may recommend at least one of the following interventions.
- Draining cysts
- Injecting steroids to shrink the tumor
- Cryotherapy – freezing the tumor off
- Surgical removal
If you have a malignant tumor, the podiatric care team may also recommend seeing an oncologist, a medical doctor specializing in cancer.
The Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, team is waiting to help with bumps, cysts, and other foot and ankle tumors. Contact the office by phone or schedule an appointment online.
