The winter months might have us keeping our feet inside shoes more often than wearing sandals, but it’s still important to check your feet frequently to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. Foot tumors may occur in the feet and you can usually feel them rather than see them, so give your feet a good rub down every now and then.
Although the word tumor is scary it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer or anything to be concerned about. There are various types of tumors that are benign and won’t cause you any worries at all. One of the most common ones we see is a ganglion cyst. This is a small sac filled with jelly like fluid that sits near tendons. It’s usually painless, but if it is sitting on top of a nerve it can cause pain. If it grows too big it may also be awkward to fit into your shoes. Treatment usually involves aspiration or surgical removal. Another benign tumor you may encounter is plantar fibromatosis (PF). This is an aggressive tumor that grows on the plantar fascia. While usually painless it may be uncomfortable to put direct pressure onto the tumor. Fortunately surgical excision is always an option.
Unfortunately, malignant tumors are also a possibility. This is why it’s extremely important to check your feet for any issues. Skin cancer can hide anywhere, even in between the toes or around the toenails. If you can’t see very well you can always use a mirror or ask a loved one to help.
When checking your moles it’s important to remember your ABCDE’s. A is for asymmetry. A normal mole should be symmetrical in shape. B stands for borders. A cancerous mole will have ragged borders, while a healthy one is smooth. C is for color. If your mole is varying shades of color you should get it looked at by a doctor. D stands for diameter. Normal moles are usually smaller than the width of a pencil erase. E is for evolving. Make sure your mole is staying the same over time and not changing. If you notice any worrisome changes make an appointment with your doctor.
For more answers to your questions about tumors in the foot call Dr. Peyman Elison and Dr. Viedra Elison at (623) 584-5556 to schedule an appointment at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, AZ.
