Remove cyst as a just-in-case measure

I read with interest the e-mail from Sue about a ganglion cyst on her wrist (WDDTY vol 15 no 7), and was very glad to hear that she went to see a consultant.

Twenty years ago, I developed a painful lump on the instep of my left foot, which eventually grew to almost the size of a golf ball.

I was told it was just a ganglion cyst. More than a year later, it was surgically removed and sent for histological analysis. It was a malignant synovial sarcoma.

I’ve had two recurrences removed and two separate courses of radiotherapy, after which I was advised to undergo below-knee amputation. I refused, had two more malignant recurrences, but am now well, fully mobile, and have been discharged.

I realise that the NHS could not remove every lump that appears, but I’d like to suggest that anyone with a lump should take it seriously, have it examined by a doctor and, preferably, have it removed. – Sally Free, Brighton