Tumors in the Foot and Ankle (185 Cases) / 대한족부족관절학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Tumors arising in the foot and ankle are uncommon and the malignant tumors are known to be rare compared with those of the other sites. We analyzed the clinical data of patients who have been diagnosed as having a tumor of the foot and ankle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1989 to 2006, we analyzed 185 patients who have been treated surgically and were pathologically confirmed of having tumors of the foot and ankle. Their clinical characteristics were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-seven cases were benign (84.9%) and 28 cases (15.1%) were malignant. 108 cases (58.4%) were benign soft tissue tumors and 49 cases (26.5%) were benign bone tumors. Malignant tumors included 17 cases (9.2%) of soft tissue tumors, 8 cases (4.3%) of primary bone tumors and 3 cases (1.6%) of metastatic bone tumors. The most common benign soft tissue tumor was ganglion (23 cases). Enchondroma (9 cases) was the most common among the benign bone tumors. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor was the most common malignant tumor (4 cases). The predilection site for benign tumors was at the forefoot around toes while for the malignant tumor was around the ankle. 4.6% of benign soft tissue tumors and 8.2% of benign bone tumors had locally recurred and 14 cases (50%) of malignant tumor were confirmed as having distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: The ratio of malignant tumor and its metastasis rate was high. Therefore, the histopathologic confirmation is essential when treating tumors of the foot and ankle.