Chondrosarcoma of Great Toe: A Case Report

Chondrosarcoma (CHS) of the toes is very rare and the involvement of phalanges is extremely rare. The osteolytic destruction of this tumor severely affects limb function and carries the risk of distant metastasis. These tumors are removed surgically to minimize local recurrence and distant metastases, maximize limb function with better prognosis. The main objective of this report is to present the case of a CHS that invaded the phalanx of the left great toe and formed a large phalangeal mass with osteolytic destruction of the distal bone.

This case report includes a 60-year-old man suffering from swelling of his left great toe for 2 years, with pain and swelling for 6 months. Serial hematological, radiological and tumor investigations were done. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined peripherally enhancing multilobulated soft-tissue mass with central necrotic component involving the entire proximal phalanx of left great toe extending to distal phalanx and head of first metatarsal. The patient was planned for operative intervention due to the possibility of invasion into the adjacent bones. The tumor was excised and sent for histopathological examination, which was reported as Grade 2 CHS (PT, Nx, and Mx) and was S100 positive. The patient has been followed-up for 5 months.

There were no signs of local recurrence or distant metastasis on radiological investigations or clinical assessment during follow-ups.

CHS occurring in toes is extremely rare. In this case, extensive surgical resection of the large low-grade CHS was safe and effective.