What should I do about a ganglion cyst on my foot?

I have what the doctor says is a ganglion cyst on the top of my foot. It's been there a while now and it has gotten really painful. I'm a really active person and this thing has really slowed me down. It now covers over half of the top of my foot. I've had two rounds of cortisone shots and it hasn't helped at all. So here's my question...Should I have surgery? I am very prone to bacterial infections, so infection is a very big risk. Also, the doctor says that a lot of nerves will be cut. I literally LIVE for summer, but nothing is really enjoyable with this pain in my foot. Also, is it normal for this cyst to send "shooting" pains around my ankles and up the back of my leg? If I have surgery, how much "down" time should I expect?

Surgery is the best thing to do. The Ganglion Cyst could be cancerous. Has your doctor checked for cancer. My brother-in-law lost his eye from a Ganglion Cyst. Since yours seems to be growing PLEASE see a cancer specialist and do what he/she tells you. I hope you the best. Rene

You don't necessarily have to do snything. Most of these cysts are benign. You could press it down with a book when you have free time for few days to make it go away. I had one on my wrist when I was a preteen. It went away.

this almost sounds like a neuroma- but heres a rundown of ganglions

Ganglions are small sacs (cysts) filled with clear, jellylike fluid that often appear as bumps on the hands and wrists. They can also develop on feet, ankles, knees, or shoulders. They are not cancerous. A ganglion can grow out of a joint capsule, which surrounds and protects the joint, or a tendon sheath, which covers the tendon (the ropelike fibers connecting muscle to bone). Most people with ganglions notice that the bumps appear suddenly.
Ganglions may be as small as a seed or larger than a cherry. A ganglion on the leg may get as big as 4 in.. Ganglions may grow as activity increases, because more fluid collects in the sac. They may also shrink and may break and go away on their own.
One common type of ganglion, called a mucous cyst, occurs with osteoarthritis of the hands. This type of ganglion is usually found at the joint nearest the fingernail (distal interphalangeal [DIP] joint). Mucous cyst ganglions may be about the size of a seed or a blister and may be painful.

Anyone can get a ganglion; adults between 15 and 40 years old are most likely to be affected.1 Women are affected three times as often as men.2 Children do not usually have ganglions, but if they do, the ganglion will very likely go away without any treatment.

What causes ganglions?
Experts do not know the exact cause of ganglions but believe they may be associated with:

Inflammation or irritation of the tendon sheath or joint capsule.
An injury.
Overuse or repetitive motions, such as those you do at work.
What are the symptoms?
Ganglions are usually small, painless bumps, but they may be tender to the touch. There may be some slight swelling around the bump.

Sometimes there can be pain, which increases with activity or pressure. This is because the ganglion puts pressure on the nerves that pass near the joint; this may also cause tingling in the fingers, hand, or forearm. Some ganglions can weaken your grip or affect joint motion.

How are ganglions diagnosed?
Ganglions can usually be diagnosed by their appearance and location. An X-ray may be done if your health professional suspects osteoarthritis or injury but will not be done only to diagnose the ganglion. Some of the fluid found in the ganglion may be removed and examined. Rarely, magnetic resonance image (MRI) or ultrasound is used to evaluate unusual ganglions.

How are they treated?
Ganglions usually do not need treatment and often go away on their own. If they are painful, limit activity, or are unsightly, your health professional may recommend nonsurgical treatment, such as wearing a splint, massaging the ganglion to reduce the fluid within the bump, or draining it with a needle and syringe (aspiration). Ganglions can also be surgically removed.