Calcaneal Osteosarcoma: A Rare Instance in Adolescent Patient.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Oncology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Calcaneal osteosarcoma is a rare malignancy, comprising less than 1% of all osteosarcomas.
• It often presents with non-specific symptoms like heel pain and swelling, leading to misdiagnosis.

Observation:

• A case of a 19-year-old female with calcaneal osteosarcoma is presented.
• The patient experienced persistent heel pain for four months, unresponsive to analgesics.

Findings:

• The case underscores the challenge of diagnosing rare conditions like calcaneal osteosarcoma.
• Delayed diagnosis can occur due to initial misinterpretation as inflammatory or traumatic conditions.

Implications:

• Highlights the necessity of considering osteosarcoma in the differential diagnosis of chronic heel pain in adolescents.
• Emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis and management for improved patient outcomes in rare bone cancers.