

On the other hand, serious cancer can form in the foot, and less commonly may be a metastatic mass from cancer elsewhere in the body. These masses are rarely ever cancerous, and while they can cause pain do not require urgent surgical intervention. Other common masses in the foot and ankle that can seem like they suddenly appear include fat tissue masses, masses of fibrous tissue called fibromas, tendon thickening from underlying bone spurs (especially behind the heel) as well as simple cases of soft tissue swelling/fluid retention (such as often seen in front of the outer ankle). Cancer within a cyst like this is possible but incredibly rare. An in-depth explanation of ganglion cysts and ganglion cyst explanation and treatment can be found by following the highlighted link. This generally benign fluid-filled mass is what most people have when they see a new lump in their foot or ankle. In the foot, the most common cause of a quickly appearing mass is a ganglion cyst. Some causes of a mass may be fast-growing, and some may be slow growing that is simply not noticed until the area is either visible externally or is painful and prompts a personal exam. While the new mass is certainly not a sign that is normal, most people can rest assured that cancer is unlikely and fairly uncommon.Ī lump or mass under the skin is a sign that tissue of some form has expanded beyond its typical size. Concerns for cancer or an unusual injury run rampant, and the appearance of a new lump in the foot is no different. The sudden appearance of a mass or lump in the body can be fear-inducing, no matter where it appears.
