A Rare Case of Myxochondroid Metaplasia of the Plantar Foot

We present a case of a 52-year-old male with a slowly enlarging, asymptomatic nodule on his heel diagnosed as myxochondroid metaplasia of the plantar foot. The incidence is rare, as this is only the second case reported since it was first discovered. It is a benign tumor believed to represent a reaction to chronic mechanical stress, presenting as a variably painful, skin-colored nodule on the plantar foot. Histologically, a subepidermal nodule comprised of spindled fibroblasts and cartilaginous elements is seen. It is histopathologically reminiscent of the nuchal fibrocartilaginous pseudotumor as well as the acquired equine digital cushion, two other reactive fibrocartilaginous growths in the neck and a horse's hoof, respectively. Excision is curative.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-08-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.90118
Primary Topic
Musculoskeletal synovial abnormalities and treatments
Type
article
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article

A Rare Case of Myxochondroid Metaplasia of the Plantar Foot

Melissa Piliang, Christine C Tam, Muna Elias
Cureus
Musculoskeletal synovial abnormalities and treatments
article

A Rare Case of Myxochondroid Metaplasia of the Plantar Foot

Melissa Piliang, Christine C Tam, Muna Elias
article en

Abstract

We present a case of a 52-year-old male with a slowly enlarging, asymptomatic nodule on his heel diagnosed as myxochondroid metaplasia of the plantar foot. The incidence is rare, as this is only the second case reported since it was first discovered. It is a benign tumor believed to represent a reaction to chronic mechanical stress, presenting as a variably painful, skin-colored nodule on the plantar foot. Histologically, a subepidermal nodule comprised of spindled fibroblasts and cartilaginous elements is seen. It is histopathologically reminiscent of the nuchal fibrocartilaginous pseudotumor as well as the acquired equine digital cushion, two other reactive fibrocartilaginous growths in the neck and a horse's hoof, respectively. Excision is curative.

CureusVol. 17(8)
Cleveland Clinic (US), Southwest General Health Center (US), Cleveland Foundation (US), Institute of Dermatology (TH)
Openalex Percentile: Top 67%
Musculoskeletal synovial abnormalities and treatments
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A Rare Case of Myxochondroid Metaplasia of the Plantar Foot — Melissa Piliang, Christine C Tam, et al. · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS