Valentine’s Day is just two short weeks away and while a romantic getaway might be exactly what you have in mind, it can be difficult to look forward to one if you are worried about a foot tumor that needs treating. Fortunately, most tumors on the feet are benign and can go without any treatment. If surgery is needed there are different options available.
Finding a bump or lump in your foot can be scary. You might not know whether it’s a cyst or a tumor. Determining what is causing the bump is important, so get to a doctor as quickly as possible for a diagnosis. Most of the bumps we see in the foot are ganglion cysts, which are benign and usually painless. However, tumors can grow anywhere in the body and the foot is no exception.
A tumor is simply a mass of cells that are reproducing at an abnormal rate. Some benign tumors may include: warts, seborrheic keratoses (growths on the skin), moles, and birthmarks. It’s important to keep an eye on moles to make sure they don’t change shape or color. Some tumors can be malignant (or cancerous), which is all the more reason for you to be checked by a doctor.
If you have a tumor that needs to be treated or removed just remember that you have options. Curettage and electrodesiccation is when the tumor cells are scraped away with a special and very sharp surgical instrument called a curette. An electrosurgical device is then used to stop any bleeding. Sometimes the tumor may need to be removed surgically by cutting into the skin and then stitching it back up afterwards. A third option is cryosurgery. This is when the tumor is frozen using liquid nitrogen and then removed. In most cases your pain will be alleviated once the tumor has been removed. If you are experiencing any inflammation or tenderness your doctor may wish to prescribe you medication.
If you have any more questions or concerns about treating a foot tumor please call Dr. Peyman Elison and Dr. Viedra Elison at (623)584-5556 to schedule an appointment at Fixing Feet Institute in Surprise, AZ.
