Have you noticed a firm, irregular lump on your toe or the top of your foot that hurts when pressed or when you wear shoes? While these masses can feel alarming, giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath are benign growths that respond exceptionally well to surgical procedures, restoring comfort and tendon function.
At Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, bring more than 20 years of advanced foot and ankle surgical expertise to The Woodlands and Magnolia communities. Voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012, our team blends compassionate, patient-centered care with leading-edge technology to deliver excellent results.
What Is a Giant Cell Tumor of the Tendon Sheath?
A giant cell tumor is a benign, non-cancerous mass that grows from a tendon sheath in the foot. Although it was once mistaken for a form of cancer, research has confirmed that these growths are not malignant. They typically appear on the toes, top of the foot, or sides of the foot, and they can also form deep within the foot.
- Firm, irregular, and nodular in texture
- Slow-growing, rarely exceeding 4 cm in size
- Often painful due to pressure on surrounding tissues
- Always connected to a tendon sheath
In some cases, the tumor presses so firmly against neighboring bone that it causes erosion. This is pressure-related rather than invasive, which is why surgery is so effective.
How Giant Cell Tumors Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis usually involves a hands-on clinical exam followed by imaging. X-rays may reveal a soft tissue shadow and, in roughly 10–20% of cases, bone erosion. An MRI is often helpful for mapping the size and depth of the mass before surgery. A pathologist confirms a definitive diagnosis after the tumor is removed.
Because other soft tissue masses — such as ganglion cysts and fibromas — can look similar, an experienced podiatric surgeon is essential for an accurate plan.
The Surgical Procedure
Surgical excision is the most reliable treatment for a giant cell tumor. The procedure is typically performed at an outpatient surgery center using local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the tumor’s location and size.
- An incision is placed directly over the mass
- The tumor is carefully dissected free from surrounding tissues
- The site is closed, and a compressive dressing is applied
- A splint, walking boot, or short cast may be used for support
Recovery and What to Expect
Recovery depends on the tumor’s location and the extent of tissue work needed. Sutures generally remain in place for 10 to 14 days. During this time, keeping the foot elevated, dry, and bandaged is critical, and crutches may be recommended for up to three weeks.
Most patients take at least one week off from work, though light-duty roles may allow an earlier return. To support healing, we often integrate in-office physical therapy and MLS Laser Therapy — an FDA-cleared treatment with an 85–90% efficacy rate for reducing pain and inflammation after surgery.
Possible Complications
Surgery is highly successful, but every procedure carries some risk. Possible complications include infection, swelling, delayed healing, tendon weakening, scarring, small areas of patchy numbness, or recurrence of the mass. Choosing a skilled, board-certified foot surgeon greatly reduces these risks.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Giant Cell Tumor Surgery in The Woodlands, TX?
Patients across Greater Houston trust Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists because our care is warm, thorough, and built on more than two decades of clinical experience. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey are both board-certified by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and they personally guide every patient from diagnosis through recovery. Our practice has been voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012 — a 14-year streak that reflects the trust of our community.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
A painful lump on your foot deserves expert evaluation and a clear plan. Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists offers compassionate, advanced surgical care to remove giant cell tumors and restore comfortable movement. Contact our team at our The Woodlands office at (281) 292-4944 or our Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956 to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward pain-free living.