Sarcoma of the foot and ankle

Sarcomas are a rare variety of malignant (cancerous) tumor that grow in connective tissue, including fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, and the tissue that surrounds bones and joints.

Sarcomas are extremely uncommon, accounting for approximately 1% of adult cancer diagnoses and 15% of childhood cancer diagnoses.  Although soft tissue tumors of the foot and ankle are common, not many of them are cancerous.

Where are most sarcomas found?

Sarcomas can form in different parts of our body — anywhere from the head to toes:

• 40% occur in lower extremities (legs, ankles, feet).
• 15% occur in upper extremities (shoulders, arms, wrists, hands).
• 30% occur in the trunk/chest wall/abdomen/pelvis.
• 15% occur in the head and neck.

Causes of Sarcoma

When the DNA of immature bone or soft tissue cells changes, sarcomas form.  They develop into cancer cells that grow uncontrollably.  Eventually, they may form a mass or tumor which can invade nearby healthy tissues.  If left untreated, cancer can spread from the initial site where it originated to other organs through your bloodstream or lymphatic system (metastasis).  Cancer that has spread is difficult to treat.

What are the symptoms of sarcoma of the foot?

Symptoms will depend on the tumor’s location.  In a foot, symptoms may include:

• A new lump which may or may not hurt.
• Pain in an extremity (leg)
• Difficulty in moving the leg (a limp or only limited range of motion).
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Back pain.

Other sarcomas can result to a long-lasting bone pain or swelling in the leg and that it worsens at night.  These changes may limit your movement.  Moreover, sarcoma has similar symptoms with many other conditions.

Are you suffering from this condition?  At The Chelsea Clinic, we can help.  One of our podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatments are best to get you back on track. Podiatrist South Kensington

Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at +44 (0) 207 101 4000. 

We hope you have a feetastic day! 

-The Chelsea Clinic and Team

Learn more about Kaposi’s Sarcoma

Check our blog about Having a Sweaty Feet

Read our blog about Plantar Fibromatosis