From the Guidelines
Yes, you can get fibromas in the foot, specifically plantar fibromas, which are benign growths that develop in the plantar fascia. These firm nodules typically appear in the arch of the foot and may cause pain when walking or standing 1. Plantar fibromas can occur as single nodules or in clusters, and they may develop in one or both feet. According to the most recent guidelines, the clinical presentation of soft tissue masses, including fibromas, can be problematic, and late presentation remains a problem 2.
Some key points to consider when evaluating a lump in the foot include:
- The most common presentation of a sarcoma is a painless enlarging soft tissue mass, but fibromas are typically benign 2
- Clinical criteria for direct referral from primary care to sarcoma diagnostic services include a soft tissue mass increasing in size, size >5 cm, deep site or pain 2
- Ultrasound is effective in discriminating benign from malignant soft tissue masses, and updated guidelines recommend an urgent direct access ultrasound scan to assess for soft tissue sarcoma in adults with an unexplained lump that is increasing in size 2
- Treatment options for plantar fibromas range from conservative approaches like padding, orthotic devices, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections to surgical removal for severe cases 1
It's essential to consult a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment if you notice a lump in your foot that causes pain or discomfort. The exact cause of plantar fibromas is unknown, though genetic factors may play a role, and people with conditions like Dupuytren's contracture have a higher risk of developing plantar fibromas 1.
From the Research
Types of Fibroma in the Foot
- Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a benign and hyperproliferative disease of the plantar aponeurosis 3, 4, 5
- Desmoplastic fibroblastoma (collagenous fibroma) is a rare benign soft-tissue tumor that can be found on the foot, although it is more commonly found in the upper extremities, neck, and back 6
Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibroma in the Foot
- Diagnosis of plantar fibromatosis is primarily clinical, but MRI and ultrasound are useful confirmatory adjuncts 4
- Treatment options for plantar fibromatosis include conservative methods such as steroid injections, verapamil, radiation therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, tamoxifen, and collagenase, as well as surgical removal of fibromas and adjacent plantar fascia 3, 4, 5
- Desmoplastic fibroblastoma is typically treated with full excision of the tumor, which has a favorable prognosis with no documented cases of recurrence after full excision 6