Short answer: Most growths on the side of the foot are benign, such as cysts, warts, fibromas, or bone spurs. While foot cancers are rare, any new or changing mass should be evaluated by a podiatrist, especially if it shows warning signs like rapid growth or changes in color or shape.
Common Causes of Foot Growths
Growths on the side of the foot can appear for a variety of reasons, most of which are not cancerous. Common benign foot growths include cysts, warts, fibromas, and bone spurs. These growths often result from repeated pressure, minor injuries, or genetic conditions. Though usually harmless, they can sometimes cause discomfort or problems with fitting into shoes due to their size or location.
Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that may develop due to blockages in sweat glands or injuries. They often feel like squishy lumps under the skin and may increase in size slowly. If they become painful or infected, they may need treatment.
Warts: Caused by a viral infection, warts appear as rough, fleshy bumps often with tiny black dots (which are clotted blood vessels). They may be painful, especially when pressed upon.
Fibromas: These are overgrowths of fibrous tissue under the skin, usually firm and rubbery. They don’t typically cause pain unless they press against nerves or other tissues.
Bone spurs: These are extra bone growths, usually occurring where joints meet or at the heel, due to stress on the bones over time. They can feel hard and bony under the skin.
Signs of Potential Cancerous Growths
While rare, cancerous growths can develop on the foot. It is crucial to keep an eye on any new or changing lumps, as early detection is important. Warning signs that a growth could be cancerous include:
Rapidly increasing in size, indicating it’s growing quickly
Persistent pain without a known cause, which might intensify over time
Bleeding or ulcerated skin over the growth, suggesting skin breakdown
Changes in color or shape, which could mean abnormal cell activity
Feeling hard and attached to deeper tissues, indicating it might not move under the skin
Accompanied by unexplained symptoms like weight loss, fever, or night pain, suggesting systemic involvement
Diagnostic Procedures and Treatment Options
If a growth on your foot is concerning, seeing a podiatrist promptly is essential. They may use imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI to view the area beneath the skin and determine the nature of the growth. These imaging modalities help reveal characteristics that aren’t visible externally, like density and exact location.
If there’s a need to confirm or rule out cancer, your doctor might suggest a biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of tissue and analyzing it in a lab to identify cell types and any malignant patterns. Based on the results, they can recommend appropriate treatment, which may range from monitoring for changes, removing benign growths if needed, or referring to a specialist for further cancer care.
While growths from trauma, like cysts or bone spurs, do not transform into cancer, they may still need treatment if they become painful or interfere with movement.
When to See a Podiatrist
If a lump persists for more than 2–3 weeks without improvement
If it continues to grow or change in appearance
If it interferes with how you walk or causes discomfort in shoes
If it looks infected, with redness, swelling, or drainage
If you have concerns about potential malignancy or any unexplained symptoms
Having a foot growth checked early by a podiatrist offers peace of mind and allows for prompt treatment if necessary. For individuals in Houston or Cypress experiencing these issues, a visit to our clinic can provide a thorough examination and clarity. Learn more about how we can help by visiting our Foot Pain Relief Houston page.
