Metastatic tumors of the hand: a report of six cases.

Six metastatic tumors of the hand of mammary, renal, pulmonary, colonic, and humeral origins are described. The areas involved were the distal phalanges, the metacarpal bones, a carpal bone, the nail bed, and the soft tissue of the dorsum of the hand. All six patients died within a few months after the metastatic lesions were diagnosed correctly. Metastases to the bone can cause destruction, pain, and swelling and may be misdiagnosed before operation as osteomyelitis. Metastases to the soft tissues tend to be asymptomatic and can closely mimic benign soft tissue tumors.