- The Foot and Ankle are just as likely to develop a benign or malignant lump as any other part of the body.
- All soft tissue lumps should be assessed carefully, and management is determined by the physical characteristics of the lump.
- A solid lump is a malignant tumour until proven otherwise. Referral – urgent suspected cancer- is recommended.
- A small cystic lump is likely to be a ganglion and if it is problematic may be treated by aspiration/injection.
Lumps - Bumps and Ganglia
Summary
Primary Care diagnostics
- In cases of uncertainty, consider XR, diagnostic ultrasound.
Who to refer
- Diagnostic uncertainty
- Those with recurrence of ganglion after aspiration / injection, or if this is not able to be done in GP practice.
How to refer
SCI Gateway/Orthopaedics/Foot & Ankle Service.
Referrals will be vetted by an AHP and directed to most appropriate professional.
Information to include when referring
Referrals will be vetted by an AHP and directed to most appropriate professional.
Information to include when referring
- Duration and any cause of symptoms
- Indicate site/spread of lump and if causing constant or intermittent pain, and/or waking at night
- Include treatment to date
- Any imaging results