Differential Diagnosis for Right Foot Condition
The patient presents with tenderness and a hard lump on the mid-lateral foot, without any signs of erythema, bruising, rash, or laceration. Based on these symptoms, the following differential diagnoses are considered:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Ganglion cyst: This is a common condition characterized by a lump or mass under the skin, often on the foot or wrist. The presence of a hard lump and tenderness with palpation supports this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Bunion or bursitis: Although typically associated with the medial foot, a bunion or bursitis could potentially occur on the lateral side, causing a lump and tenderness.
- Plantar fibroma: A benign growth on the plantar fascia, which could cause a hard lump and pain on the bottom of the foot.
- Lipoma: A benign fatty tumor that could cause a lump and tenderness, although it is less common on the foot.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Osteosarcoma or other bone tumors: Although rare, these conditions could present with a hard lump and pain, and would require prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious consequences.
- Infection (e.g., abscess or osteomyelitis): Although there are no signs of erythema or bruising, an infection could still be present, and would require urgent attention to prevent serious complications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Giant cell tumor: A rare, benign tumor that could cause a lump and pain on the foot.
- Soft tissue sarcoma: A rare, malignant tumor that could present with a lump and pain, and would require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Foreign body reaction: A rare condition where the body reacts to a foreign object, such as a splinter or other debris, causing a lump and pain.