Growths (Warts, Cysts, Lesions)
Growths & Lesions: Warts, Cysts, & Benign Foot Masses
Growths on the foot—such as plantar warts, subcutaneous cysts, and benign skin lesions—may not sound serious, but they often cause pain, embarrassment, or interfere with walking. At Dr. Michele Selsor’s Pinellas Park clinic, we provide expert diagnosis and targeted treatment for growths of the foot and lower leg.
Diagnostic Process
History & symptom mapping
Duration, growth pattern, pain on pressure, bleeding or irritation.
Family or systemic associations (e.g. multiple lesions).
Physical & dermatoscopic exam
Visual features: color, texture, borders, thrombosed capillaries (small black dots in warts).
Paring down the lesion: removal of overlying hyperkeratosis to inspect base.
Palpation, mobility, depth.
Additional studies when indicated: Ultrasound or MRI for deeper or atypical lesions and Biopsy if malignancy cannot be excluded.
Common Growth Types
- Plantar warts (verruca plantaris): Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), often painful when on weight-bearing surfaces.
- Ganglion / synovial cysts: Fluid-filled sacs arising near joints or tendons.
- Fibromas, fat pads, benign soft-tissue masses.
- Lipomas, epidermal inclusion cysts, benign vascular lesions.
Treatment Options
Conservative or non-invasive therapies
1
- Topical treatments: salicylic acid, lactic acid, keratolytic.
- Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen).
- Cantharidin, immunotherapy agents.
- Duct tape occlusion therapy in select cases.
Image-guided or procedural removal
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- Curettage, surgical excision under local anesthesia.
- Laser therapy.
- Electrosurgical ablation.
- Intralesional injections in particular case types.
Posttreatment care & monitoring
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- Wound care, dressing protection.
- Offloading of pressure while healing.
- Monitoring for recurrence or complications.
Clinic & Local Context
- Florida’s warm, moist climate can predispose to skin viral proliferation (warts) and maceration.
- The Pinellas Park location, central in Pinellas County, allows patients from across the Tampa Bay region to access lesion removal and foot growth care easily drmicheleselsor.com.
- Many patients delay care out of embarrassment; we provide discreet, effective office-based solutions.
If you notice any painful, persistent, or growing spot on your foot or lower leg, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule an assessment and begin a path to safe removal and healing.