The differential diagnosis for a midfoot or forefoot mass or mass-like abnormality includes several common benign and malignant pathologies. Evaluation with imaging can often provide a diagnosis, or at least several likely etiologies, and guide management. Determining if a mass is cystic or solid with ultrasound or MRI can limit the differential diagnosis. Identifying the abnormality at a specific anatomical site, such as a bursa, peripheral nerve, plantar aponeurosis, or tendon, can often suggest a correct diagnosis. Correlation with radiography is essential to determine potential osseous origin or involvement and further characterize matrix mineralization. Imaging evaluation can effectively characterize a mass or mass-like abnormality of the midfoot or forefoot, which can provide a precise or limited differential diagnosis and guide further management for biopsy or other treatment.
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