Understanding Neuromas: Are They Typically Benign?
I’m a 27-year-old female who recently noticed a noticeable lump on the foot, positioned between my third and fourth toes. Although I can’t recall exactly when it appeared, my foot seemed completely unremarkable just three months ago. Initially, the lump was painless; however, it has since increased in size and now causes discomfort, especially when I walk or position my foot in a certain way at night. The pain is manageable but has a peculiar, almost achy quality. When I’m at rest, I can sense my toes moving apart due to the growth located between them. I recently consulted an orthopedic expert who focuses on foot and toe issues, and both X-ray and MRI scans were conducted. The MRI results indicated a probable neuroma measuring greater than 2 centimeters, but there was no indication of damage to adjacent tissues or bones, and the X-ray appeared normal. I’m scheduled to meet with another specialist who combines orthopedic knowledge with oncology expertise, as suggested by the first doctor. I am curious whether a neuroma like mine is scientifically classified as a tumor, and if they are predominantly benign as often stated. I’m seeking clarity, especially given the description of them being "almost always benign," and I’d like to better understand if this holds true. Given the rapid growth and size, can this really be classified as a Morton neuroma? Initially, I thought the issue was a ganglion cyst, but the MRI results ruled that out, which has left me feeling anxious. Additionally, would you be able to provide a standard SAG T2-weighted STIG image for comparison with my MRI? Besides the noticeable lump shown in the imaging, there is also a bright area located just adjacent to it, closer to the center of my foot. I'm uncertain if this brightness is standard or if it could indicate another abnormal growth.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 5:01:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a lump in your foot, especially when it comes with discomfort. Here’s a breakdown of your concerns regarding the neuroma, its classification, and further steps you can take:
Main Points:
- Neuromas are typically benign tumors often associated with nerve irritation or compression.
- Your MRI results suggest a Morton neuroma, which is common between the toes, especially in the area you've described.
- Bright spots on imaging can indicate different issues, and a follow-up with your specialist is important for clarification.
Explanation:
A neuroma, specifically a Morton neuroma, is not a tumor in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a thickening of nerve tissue, often caused by irritation, pressure, or injury to the nerve. They are generally classified as benign, meaning they are not cancerous, and most do not pose serious health risks. It's quite common for Morton neuromas to be symptomatic and cause discomfort, particularly with certain types of footwear or during activities that put pressure on the toes.
The fact that your MRI showed no damage to adjacent tissues is a good sign, as it means that there is no immediate concern for invasive growth. However, growth beyond the typical size for a Morton neuroma can sometimes warrant further investigation to rule out other conditions.
Regarding the bright area near the neuroma, this could represent various things including inflammation or edema around the nerve. It’s essential to discuss these findings at your upcoming appointment, where the specialist's input will provide more clarity.
Next Steps:
-
Prepare for your upcoming appointment: Write down any questions or concerns you have regarding the neuroma, the bright area on the MRI, and what to expect moving forward. This will ensure you make the most of your time with the specialist.
-
Manage discomfort: In the meantime, consider wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes with a wide toe box to reduce pressure on the affected area. Using ice packs on the lump for 15-20 minutes a few times a day may also help alleviate discomfort and swelling.
-
Monitor symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the lump, including size, shape, pain level, or other sensations. If you notice any rapid changes, communicate this with your specialist.
-
Consider pain relief options: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) can be used as needed unless contraindicated due to other health conditions.
Remain hopeful; many people with Morton neuromas find relief with the appropriate management and treatment options. Your proactive approach, in seeking multiple opinions and understanding your condition, is excellent. If you have further questions or need support, feel free to reach out.
Related Questions
A Mysterious Illness That Resembles Strep Throat
As an 18-year-old college student, standing at 5'4" and weighing 140 pounds, I maintain an active lifestyle. I do not smoke or have any preexisting health issues, aside from the vitamins and supplements I take daily. Approximately five days ago, I began to feel unusually fatigued and achy. Within just a day, my symptoms escalated to include a high fever reaching between 101°F and 102°F that ibuprofen couldn’t seem to alleviate. I experienced extreme tiredness that kept me bedridden all day, along with a persistent headache and intense throat pain, which was compounded by swollen lymph nodes and the familiar white patches often associated with strep throat. Having dealt with strep throat before, I recognized a need for antibiotics. Two days into feeling unwell, I visited an urgent care facility for an assessment and received a rapid strep test, which unfortunately came back negative. I recalled a previous incident where my rapid strep test also indicated a false negative, only for the culture sent for further testing to confirm the presence of strep bacteria. Given my symptoms and the findings from the examination, the healthcare provider prescribed Cefdinir, as I am allergic to amoxicillin, despite the negative rapid test results. The antibiotics proved effective, and I felt nearly back to normal, leading me to believe that my culture results would also come back positive for strep, suggesting a recurrence of my previous infection. However, I received the culture results yesterday, and to my surprise, they came back negative for strep. While I lack medical expertise, I’ve been led to believe that false negatives in cultures are exceedingly rare. Now, I find myself puzzled about what kind of bacterial infection I might have had if it wasn’t strep. Any insights or information regarding my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Bleeding Concerns with IUD and Yeast Infection Treatment
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’4” and weighing 155 pounds. Hello everyone! Approximately three weeks ago, I had the Kyleena IUD placed, and everything felt fine afterward—I can still feel the strings. I noticed some mild spotting that was brown for about a week, followed by my menstrual period, then continued with light spotting. Recently, I suspect that I might have developed a yeast infection, which I am currently addressing using Monistat 7. I applied the first dose yesterday. To clarify, I am certain that I am not dealing with a sexually transmitted infection. However, I’ve observed an increase in bleeding, significantly more than what I’ve experienced before. The blood appears to be light red, and I would compare the amount to the lightest day of my period. I could comfortably go an entire day without needing to change my pad, though I still do it for hygiene reasons. Is this a common occurrence? Most of the bleeding took place this morning after I woke up, coinciding with the Monistat cream leaving my body. Under what circumstances should I seek medical advice regarding this issue instead of waiting to see how the treatment progresses?
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Chest Discomfort After Extensive Testing
I'm a 43-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds. My journey began around March to April of 2025 when, despite regularly hitting the gym four times a week, I was struck by severe chest pain along with frequent belching and a tight feeling in my diaphragm. At times, the pain became so intense that I feared it might be a heart attack. **Medical History:** In May 2019, I received a diagnosis of **PVS** and have since been under the care of a cardiac electrophysiologist. Upon experiencing these new symptoms, I consulted my EP, who conducted an EKG right then and set me up with a 7-day heart monitor. The results showed no irregularities. Subsequently, I was directed to a cardiologist, who carried out both a **stress test** and an **echocardiogram**, both of which yielded normal findings. Afterward, I returned to my primary care physician, who speculated that my gallbladder might be involved. An **ultrasound** was performed but revealed no issues. I then requested a **chest X-ray**, which also came back normal. My PCP then considered the possibility of a **hiatal hernia** and referred me to a gastroenterologist; unfortunately, that appointment took almost **five months** to materialize. In the meantime, my symptoms persisted, prompting me to cease weightlifting and switch my focus to **cardio and running**. Surprisingly, these activities didn’t exacerbate my symptoms, though the chest pain remained constant. When I finally saw the gastroenterologist, they suggested an **upper endoscopy**, which took another roughly three months to arrange. During this procedure, I was diagnosed with **Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)**, a condition I had not previously experienced. The doctors also placed a pH monitoring device for acid reflux assessment, which indicated **no unusual acid exposure**. Following this, I began a treatment plan that included a swallowed steroid inhaler and an increased dosage of **omeprazole**. Sixty days later, I underwent another endoscopy, which showed that the EOE had largely resolved, with minimal residual symptoms. Unfortunately, my chest discomfort persisted without any improvement. It has now been about **a year** since these issues emerged, and I still have not found substantial relief. A recent chest MRI completed at a dedicated imaging center revealed no abnormalities. I entertained the idea of **costochondritis**, but again, the MRI did not support that hypothesis. The only minor relief I find comes from consciously pulling my shoulders back and expanding my chest. I continue to experience discomfort around my **diaphragm** and tenderness in the area of the **xiphoid process**. My PCP prescribed a steroid pack, which was somewhat beneficial for the pain but failed to alleviate the pressure or constant discomfort. At this juncture, I feel quite lost and uncertain about my next steps. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others who have faced similar issues. Additionally, if there are any physicians here willing to offer advice, I am open to traveling to find the answers or relief I'm desperately seeking.
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.