Bone cancer generally presents as pain in the area of the tumor. The cancer weakens the bone, making a break from trauma more probable, and some tumors also cause fevers and night sweats. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, treatment options may take the form of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as limb salvage surgery or amputation for more severe cases. Bone cancer in the foot, while not common, can occur, including cancer types like multiple myeloma, osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma, a type of cancer impacting plasma cells, occurs in the bone marrow. The MayoClinic.com reports that it causes an abnormal amount of protein in the blood and can affect the bones, including those in the feet, as well as immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count. In addition to bone pain and atypical blood protein levels, a high level of calcium in the blood may present as a symptom. Treatment options include drug therapy, stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy and radiation.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma, also known as osteogenic sarcoma, occurs in osteoblast cells that cover the bone. Primarily a type of cancer found most often in children and young adults, it represents 5 percent of all childhood cancers, according to VCU Massey Cancer Center. While osteosarcoma presents most often in the bones around the knee, it may develop in any bone in the body, including the bones of the feet. Symptoms of osteosarcoma include pain and swelling around the cancerous bone, pain, limping and decreased movement of the affected limb. Physicians often treat osteosarcoma with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Ewing's Sarcoma
Ewing's sarcoma generally begins in the bone or soft tissues, but may spread to the rest of the body even in early stages. This type of bone cancer commonly occurs in the pelvis, thigh and bones of the torso; however, Ewing's sarcoma can occur in the bones of the feet. Cancerindex.org indicates that just over 3 percent of Ewing's sarcoma cases happen in the foot bones. It most often affects people between the ages of 10 and 20 years of age, but can occur at any age. Because of Ewing's sarcoma's tendency to metastasize into other parts of the body, radiation and chemotherapy treatments target the entire body instead of just a localized area. Surgery to remove the tumor is another option.
