Question
I have noticed just recently that I have a lump on my left foot.  It is underneath my skin about two inches back from my big toe on the top of my foot.  It is firm like a tendon.  But i have noticed that I do not have the same lump on my other foot.  So I no it is not normal.  If I had it on the other foot,I would not even think twice about it.  It just feels like a tendon or muscle. If I raise my big toe up it feels really hard like cartilage. If i have my foot flat on the ground if feels more soft like a tendon maybe?  It does not really hurt, but every once in awhile it feels like it has been irritated when I have been walking around or am wearing shoes.  There is no swelling.  It feels like it has a shape the same as an eye is shaped, only smaller.  About half an inch.  Should I be concerned?  Is it Cancer?  Now that I have really noticed it, the irritation that I feel I have been feeling for a long time.  I just never thought anything about it.  The only reason I noticed it or payed any attention to it was that my wife noticed it when she was rubbing my feet.  Thank you very much for your time patience with my questions.

Answer
Hi Jesse,

The lump on your foot sounds like a ganglion cyst or tendon enlargement.  I would see a podiatrist for an exam.  They may do an ultrasound or MRI to evaluate the problem.  Cancer is highly unlikely but you should still have this examined.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com



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