[Soft-tissue swelling of the foot not always benign].

Two men aged 17 and 23 years had a swelling on the foot which was neither an abscess nor a ganglion. Histological study revealed Ewing's sarcoma and synoviosarcoma, respectively. In both patients amputation under the knee was performed; nevertheless both developed metastases. In case of a swelling of the foot the possibility of malignancy has to be considered in order to shorten the diagnostic period. Consultation of the 'Commissie voor Beentumoren' may be desirable because of the low incidence and often difficult diagnostic process.