Related Experiment Videos
Synovial sarcoma arising in the foot: case report.
Steven F Boc1, Sharmila Das-Wattley, Eric Roberts
1Hahnemann University Hospital, Drexel University College of Medicine, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. sfbocdpm1@comcast.net
Summary
Synovial sarcoma, a rare soft tissue tumor, can mimic infection or trauma, especially in the foot. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of this aggressive cancer.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Oncology
- Diagnostic Radiology
- Soft Tissue Pathology
Background:
- Synovial sarcomas are malignant soft tissue tumors typically found near joints and tendons.
- Their presentation can often mimic benign conditions like infection or trauma, posing a diagnostic challenge.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old male presented with foot pain after trauma, initially showing no abnormalities on radiographs.
- Delayed imaging revealed destructive changes in the metatarsals, prompting further investigation.
Findings:
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy confirmed primary synovial sarcoma of the foot.
- Metastatic disease to the lungs was identified.
- Amputation at Chopart's joint was performed as treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare neoplastic processes in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses, even after initial negative findings.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis of primary synovial sarcoma is critical for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
- Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for sarcomas presenting with seemingly innocuous symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
Rous Sarcoma virus or RSV was discovered by F. Peyton Rous in the year 1911 as a filterable transmissible agent that could cause tumors in chickens. He won a Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1966. His experiments clearly demonstrated that some cancers could be caused by infectious agents and led to the discovery of many more cancer-causing viruses in animals as well as humans.
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
Rous Sarcoma virus or RSV was discovered by F. Peyton Rous in the year 1911 as a filterable transmissible agent that could cause tumors in chickens. He won a Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1966. His experiments clearly demonstrated that some cancers could be caused by infectious agents and led to the discovery of many more cancer-causing viruses in animals as well as humans.
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...