Managing Growths on Feet: When to Seek Surgical Advice for Diabetics - Surgery

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Managing growths on the feet, especially for individuals with diabetes, requires careful consideration and timely medical intervention. Given your situation, where you have a growth resembling a sarcoma on your ankle that has become painful and larger over time, it is crucial to seek medical advice promptly.


When to Seek Surgical Advice
1. Pain and Growth: The fact that the growth has become painful and is increasing in size is a significant indicator that you should seek medical attention. Pain can be a sign of inflammation or other complications, especially in individuals with diabetes, where healing can be impaired.

2. Diabetic Considerations: Diabetes can complicate wound healing and increase the risk of infections. Any growth that changes in size, shape, or color, or becomes painful should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. This is particularly important for diabetics, as they are at a higher risk for complications related to foot health.

3. Type of Specialist: You should consider consulting a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle conditions. They can assess the growth, determine its nature (benign vs. malignant), and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include surgical removal.

4. Diagnostic Evaluation: Before any surgical decision, the specialist may perform imaging studies (like an ultrasound or MRI) and possibly a biopsy to understand the growth better. This is essential to rule out any serious conditions, including malignancies.


Surgical Considerations
1. Surgical Removal: If the growth is determined to be problematic, surgical removal may be necessary. The decision to proceed with surgery will depend on the growth's characteristics and your overall health status, including how well your diabetes is managed.

2. Preoperative Assessment: Before surgery, your blood sugar levels will need to be well-controlled. As mentioned in previous discussions, maintaining blood glucose levels below 150 mg/dL is often a prerequisite for elective surgeries to minimize the risk of complications.

3. Postoperative Care: After surgery, careful monitoring of the surgical site is crucial, especially for diabetics. You will need to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and to manage any potential complications, such as infections or delayed healing.


Additional Considerations
- Wound Care: Post-surgery, it is essential to keep the area clean and dry. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dressing changes and any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers.


- Monitoring for Complications: Be vigilant for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge) and report these to your healthcare provider immediately.

- Long-term Management: Given your history of keloids (蟹足腫), it is essential to discuss this with your surgeon, as it may influence the surgical approach and postoperative care. Keloids can form after surgery, and your doctor may recommend specific techniques to minimize this risk.

In conclusion, do not delay seeking medical advice regarding the growth on your ankle. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure better outcomes, especially considering your diabetic condition. A podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon will be best suited to evaluate your situation and recommend the appropriate course of action.