Maybe one of your New Year’s Resolutions was to practice better foot care. This can include making sure to check your feet every day for any problems. Sometimes problems may not be visible, but can be felt through the use of your hands. Cysts and tumors are two types of skin issues that can be found in the feet and can be felt under the skin. They can often be confused for each other, so how can you tell the difference?
A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue. It can be found nearly anywhere on your body, and this includes your feet. It’s unknown why tumors develop, but they can be the result of genetics and heredity. Some tumors may be cancerous, or malignant. Other tumors are benign and are nothing to worry about. However, if you think you might have a tumor it’s important to get to a doctor to get it biopsied just in case. Cancer can spread quickly so early detection is key in fighting it. Tumors feel like hard lumps underneath the skin and can’t be moved around.
A cyst is a sac under the skin that can be filled with fluid, air, or other material. It may feel like a lump but can be moved a bit on either side instead of being stuck in place. Cysts are quite common, but the most commonly seen one on the foot is a ganglion cyst. They are filled with gelatinous fluid and are usually found on the top of the foot. If they happen to be near a nerve you might feel a tingling or even a painful sensation. Usually they are just left alone and monitored for any changes. As long as they aren’t bothering you and you are able to wear shoes comfortably, they are not considered anything to worry about. In rare cases you may need to have your cyst surgically removed.
It can be scary to find a lump or bump in your body. If this is the case don’t hesitate to call Dr. Peyman Elison and Dr. Viedra Elison at (623) 584-5556 to schedule an appointment at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, AZ. We can help figure out what the lump is and what the best treatment option is for you.
