Cutaneous foot malignancies: Outcome and options for reconstruction

We retrospectively reviewed 26 cases of primary or recurrent cutaneous foot malignancies for which patients underwent tumor extirpation and reconstructive surgery between 1990 and 1994. The most common disease was malignant melanoma (24 cases), and most tumors were located on the heel and midplantar area. Free tissue transfer was used for nine reconstructions, and various types of plantar, rotation flaps, or split-thickness skin grafts were also used. Twenty-five patients were ambulatory postoperatively without the use of corrective shoes or supportive devices. Sensation was noted to be normal in 20 patients, decreased in 4, and increased in 1. Two free tissue transfers were lost in the same patient because of venous thrombosis. Other complications included partial flap loss, skin graft loss, and flap dehiscence. Several patients have resumed pretreatment running regimens. Cutaneous tumor extirpation followed by reconstructive surgery of the foot does not inhibit the cancer patient's ability to function normally.