Thirty-five-year-old Maria Pagnotta’s medical mystery appeared harmless at first. The Norristown resident was a routine runner, often logging ten mile per outing. But she began to notice a golf-sized lump on her foot. It became increasingly painful, so Pagnotta sought medical attention. Terri Akmann, in The Philadelphia Inquirer, chronicled the diagnosis and treatment that followed.  

Pinning down the exact malady took months, but luckily podiatrist Youssef Kabbani found the source before it progressed further.

The lump was synovial sarcoma, a rare cancer. It affects only 800 patients a year and is most common in men under the age of 30.

Pagnotta’s condition was even more unusual.

Cancers in the foot usually make up only 1 percent of cases, according to the American Cancer Society.  

Having grown up seeing his mother’s leg amputated from an infection following an injury, podiatrist Kabbani knew that he had to act before the growth became worse. The best solution, he felt, was amputation, not only of the foot but Pagnotta’s lower leg as well. The extent of the surgery would be necessary to ensure the sarcoma wouldn’t spread.

Pagnotta agreed that the procedure was necessary.  

In May, her foot and calf were removed; she then then started physical therapy.

She’s been making progress on adapting to her prosthetic.  

“I want to walk and exercise again,” she said, “and get my life back.” 

Read more about the medical journey of Maria Pagnotta in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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Jo Georgiou was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in 2021 after finding a lump on her leg in 2016;
this BBC video shows her grappling with the same amputation decision as Norristown’s Maria Pagnotta.