Liposarcoma of the foot: a case report

A 56-year-old black, apparently healthy female presented with a rapidly growing mass on the medial aspect of her left hallux. The mass was seen on x-ray examination, and did not appear locally invasive. Excision revealed the mass to be a well differentiated liposarcoma, and after further consultation, the left hallux was amputated. Although the incidence of differentiated liposarcoma in the foot is rare, the preceding case should reiterate to all the need for closer investigation of soft tissue masses which may appear in the foot. Prompt excision of malignant tumors results in a good prognosis for the patients, whereas misdiagnosis based on the apparently benign appearance may lead to unnecessary delay and a less fortuitous prognosis for the patient.