Common Lesions
The foot hosts a wide range of benign soft-tissue masses: lipomas, plantar fibromas (Ledderhose disease), ganglion cysts, neuromas, schwannomas, and inclusion cysts. Malignant primary soft-tissue tumors of the foot are rare but real, and any rapidly enlarging or painful mass deserves prompt imaging.
Evaluation
A focused exam, ultrasound or MRI, and - for any mass with concerning features - biopsy before definitive excision.
Treatment
Asymptomatic, definitively benign lesions can be observed. Symptomatic, enlarging, or imaging-equivocal masses are excised. Dr. O’Carroll plans the procedure to minimize scar burden in weight-bearing areas and to preserve function.