Metastatic tumors of the foot.

Four metastatic tumors of the foot, of colonic, renal and humeral origin, are described. They involved three calcanei and two tali. All four patients died within a few months after the appearance of metastasis to the foot. Bony destruction, pain, and swelling can closely resemble the clinical signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis. Diagnostic roentgenograms must be obtained to rule out the possibility of metastatic disease, and biopsies are usually required for accurate diagnosis.