Chondrosarcoma of Great Toe: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic oncology
• Skeletal tumors
• Foot and ankle surgery

Background:

• Chondrosarcoma (CHS) of the toes, particularly involving the phalanges, is exceedingly rare.
• Osteolytic destruction by these tumors can impair limb function and lead to distant metastasis.
• Surgical excision is the primary treatment to prevent recurrence and metastasis while preserving limb function.

Observation:

• A 60-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of left great toe swelling, with 6 months of pain.
• MRI revealed a large soft-tissue mass involving the proximal and distal phalanges of the left great toe and the first metatarsal head.
• Histopathological examination confirmed Grade 2 CHS, S100 positive.

Findings:

• Extensive surgical resection of the Grade 2 CHS was performed.
• The patient experienced no local recurrence or distant metastasis during a 5-month follow-up period.
• The surgical intervention was deemed safe and effective for this rare presentation.

Implications:

• This case highlights the successful management of a rare phalangeal chondrosarcoma of the great toe.
• Aggressive surgical resection can achieve favorable outcomes in localized, low-grade chondrosarcomas of the foot.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for limb salvage and improved prognosis in rare skeletal tumors.