Soft Tissue Masses & Tumors Treatment in Thousand Oaks
Soft tissue masses are growths of cells that can develop anywhere in the body, including the feet and ankles. If you notice a soft lump on your foot, it could be a soft tissue mass. While the vast majority are benign, only a medical evaluation can confirm what a mass is. At Performance Foot & Ankle, our podiatrists in Thousand Oaks, CA use advanced imaging to diagnose soft tissue masses and offer removal when needed.
Request an AppointmentWhat Does a Soft Tissue Mass Look Like?
Soft tissue masses are often round, but they can also be long and narrow. Some are painful when touched or when pressed by shoes, while others cause no discomfort at all. A mass may stay the same size, slowly grow, or change in size from day to day.
The good news is that you are roughly ten times more likely to have a benign soft tissue mass than a cancerous tumor. However, there is no way to know for sure without an examination, which is why any new or changing lump should be evaluated promptly. Many patients also choose removal because living with a mass can be uncomfortable.
Common Types of Soft Tissue Masses on the Feet
Most soft tissue masses on the foot are benign. Some of the most common types include:
- Ganglion cysts – Fluid-filled cysts that often appear on the top or side of the foot and may shrink or grow over time
- Eccrine poroma – A noncancerous growth usually found on the sole of the foot, appearing as a reddish or brownish lump
- Glomus tumor – A small, often painful mass typically found beneath a toenail
- Intractable plantar keratoma – A deep, painful callus that forms under weight-bearing areas of the foot
- Mucoid cyst – A small cyst that commonly forms near the toenails
- Lipoma – A soft, movable growth made of fatty tissue
- Plantar fibroma – A firm nodule that develops within the arch of the foot
Warning Signs to Watch For
Schedule an evaluation as soon as possible if a mass on your foot:
- Grows quickly or continues to enlarge
- Is larger than a golf ball
- Feels firm, fixed, or deep
- Becomes increasingly painful
- Returns after being removed
Diagnosing Soft Tissue Masses
Our office uses in-house digital x-ray and diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate the size, location, and structure of soft tissue masses. Ultrasound is especially helpful for distinguishing fluid-filled cysts from solid growths. When needed, we may recommend MRI or a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment and Removal Options
Treatment depends on the type of mass and your symptoms. Small, painless benign masses may simply be monitored. Other options include padding and footwear changes to relieve pressure, aspiration to drain cysts, and injections. When a mass is painful, growing, or suspicious, our surgeons can remove it through foot and ankle surgery and send the tissue for evaluation. We can help you remove a soft tissue mass whether it is benign or not, and we will coordinate with trusted specialists when additional care is required.
Similar symptoms can also be caused by neuromas or corns and calluses, so an accurate diagnosis is key. Call (805) 273-1415 to schedule an appointment with Performance Foot & Ankle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Tissue Masses
What are the signs of a soft tissue mass on my foot?
Common signs include a soft lump that is round or long and narrow, which may be tender when touched or pressed by shoes. Any new or changing lump should be examined by a podiatrist.
How can I tell if a soft tissue mass is cancerous?
It is not possible to tell without a professional examination. Most foot masses are benign, but imaging and sometimes a biopsy are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
What tests are used to examine soft tissue masses?
Our podiatrists use digital x-ray and diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate soft tissue masses. MRI or a biopsy may be recommended for a more detailed evaluation.
What is a ganglion cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous, fluid-filled sac that often forms on the top or side of the foot near a joint or tendon. It may change size and can be painful when pressed by shoes.
Do all soft tissue masses need to be removed?
No. Small, painless, benign masses may only need monitoring. Removal is recommended when a mass is painful, growing, interferes with footwear, or is suspicious.
Can a ganglion cyst come back after treatment?
Yes. Ganglion cysts can return after draining or removal. Surgical excision of the cyst and its stalk lowers the chance of recurrence.
Is soft tissue mass removal an outpatient procedure?
In most cases, yes. Removal of soft tissue masses on the foot is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.