unknown reason for skin discoloration and knot

[cindy82]

for the past 5 months i have had a discoloration on the top on my left foot. it started out looking like a bruse and has spread to be about as big around as a golf ball. some spots its darker than others. also in the past month i have noticed a knot come up in it. the knot is getting bigger but very slowly. i have not gotten hit on my foot or can it be from shoes as im a stay at home mom and and hardly have any on exept when i go out. i have been to the doc and all they have done is felt of it and said it might be a cyst and dismissed it.  no pian but the foot does feel tingly some times. any ideas ? what should i do about it. cant afford to keep going to the doc and them doing nothing at all but feeling of it : (

[cindy82]

thanks so much for your input. i have had no pain from it or any other symtoms.  ill try another doc to get a definate diagnosis and push them to  do something(test) this time. your words have put my mind at rest, thanks

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

One differential here is a hematoma.The discoloration suggests that this may be a bruise or hematoma formation. This 'knot" that you have noted, is this soft or hard? Is this movable or fixed? When you try manipulating it, is it painful?

A hematoma usually occurs after an injury or trauma to the area. This is not true in your case. Other causes may be blood disorders. However, if this is the case, then other associated symptoms like pinpoint rash, gum bleeding or bleeding in other parts of the body should be noted. This again is not true in your case.

Another probable differential is a ganglion cyst.

"Ganglion cysts are masses of tissues filled with fluid, usually jelly-like. The term is derived from the word ‘ganglion’ which translates to ‘knot,’ describing the knotted lump of cells that develop underneath the surface of the foot’s skin.

Ganglion cysts on foot are common and are usually benign. They usually form on the top of the foot, but can develop in other areas as well. The size of a foot ganglion cyst varies throughout its lifespan – it can get either smaller or larger over time. In some cases, it can even vanish and then recur later.
Ganglion cysts can make wearing shoes very difficult."

Source:http://www.yourfoothealth.com/Ganglion-Cysts.html

Has your physician given you a definite diagnosis ? This may be something you want to discuss with your doctor. Ganglion cysts do not require urgent intervention unless they become symptomatic.