DEAR DR. ROACH: I have a marble-sized ganglion cyst on the top/side of my foot, right in front of my ankle bone. It’s not painful in and of itself, but if I put pressure on it, like sitting on the floor cross-legged, it does hurt. Why did it develop? Should I have it removed before it gets larger? Will it get larger? Can it be removed without surgery, such as with a massage or laser? — T.B.

ANSWER: Ganglion cysts are benign tumors consisting of a thick fluid, usually around a tendon. They are most common in the hand and wrist but can occur on the foot as well. They are much more likely in women. It’s not known why they form. They can be confirmed by an ultrasound.