What They Are
Bone cysts are fluid-filled cavities within bone (unicameral, aneurysmal, intraosseous lipoma); bone tumors include benign lesions like enchondroma, osteoid osteoma, and giant cell tumor. True malignant primary bone tumors of the foot are rare but must be excluded.
How They Present
Pain, swelling, an incidental finding on imaging, or - occasionally - a pathologic fracture through a weakened area. Many lesions are completely asymptomatic and discovered on X-ray ordered for unrelated reasons.
Diagnosis
A combination of plain radiographs, MRI, and (when indicated) CT or bone scan. Biopsy is performed when imaging features are not definitive.
Treatment
Many small, asymptomatic, definitively benign lesions are observed. Symptomatic, enlarging, or imaging-equivocal lesions are treated with curettage and grafting, or - for select lesions - en bloc excision. Dr. O’Carroll coordinates with musculoskeletal oncology when needed.