Metastatic tumors of the foot: case report and literature review

Abstract

Metastatic lesions to the bones of the foot occurred in three elderly patients. Biopsy established the diagnosis in a 90-year-old woman. In a 72-year-old man and a 79-year-old man, the diagnosis was possible from roentgenographic features. In the latter, biopsy of an additional osseous metastatic site established the diagnosis. A thorough review of the literature has yielded 72 previously reported cases of metastasis to the foot. Only 38 of these cases were histologically confirmed. Primary tumors of the colon, kidney, and lung are the most common sources of metastasis to the bones of the foot. Metastatic disease should be considered in elderly patients presenting with foot pain and osteolytic lesions, especially when there is a history of a previously diagnosed malignancy. The generally poor prognosis indicates that treatment should be clearly designed to relieve pain.