I'm posting here first before I go to the Ledderhose forum because it kind of relates to DD. I have DD in both hands, most fingers and have had for quite some time with multiple NA treatments and Xiaflex in the clinical trials. I also had one round of RT on each hand.

A month or so ago I discovered a medium sized lump--maybe the size of two peas-- in the arch of my right foot. There is no pain, tenderness or anything besides the lump. I immediately diagnosed it as Ledderhose but now I'm thinking perhaps I should rely on a professional :-). My youngest brother had a desmoid tumor at age 40 and I've recently read there is a connection between desmoid tumors and DD and presumably LD.

Here are my questions:

1) what kind of doc should I go to for diagnosis--a hand surgeon like Dr. Denkler who is very familiar with DD and presumably LD?
2) a dermatologist who might also be familiar with desmoid tumors in addition to LD? (I recently developed a small red spot on one of my hands that previous had RT and my derm decided to biopsy it just to be safe; it turned out to be benign.
3) a podiatrist?

Thanks,
Diane

PS--any updates on whether Medicare is covering RT these days?

Jolene:

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Hello,

Based off my experience: I would go to a podiatrist. When making an appointment I would find out if the podiatrist has an ultra-scan machine in his office. That way when you arrive he will do an ultra-scan to make certain it is a fibroma and will then be able to tell you the size of it. Some podiatrist gives the measurements in centimeters and some in millimeters

Hand surgeons specialize in the hand, therefor they are more abreast on DD.

Podiatrist specialize in the feet therefor they are more abreast on ledderhose.
One thing to note: The podiatrist I have seen refer to it as plantar fibroma if it is one nodule and fibromatosis if it is 2 or more.

I hope this helps
Jolene

If you've just discovered the small modulus and LH you should read up on all the great information on this web site. Pay special attention to the use of radiation therapy for early stage LH.