Malignant and Bony Tumors of the Pediatric Hand: A Review of Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies.

Malignant or bony tumors of the pediatric hand, although uncommon, pose critical challenges due to their potential for local invasion, functional compromise, and, in rare cases, metastatic spread. This review explores a range of benign and malignant lesions, including osteochondromas, enchondromas, giant cell tumors, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and melanoma, emphasizing their unique presentations in children compared to adults. The small anatomical space and high functional demands of the hand make accurate diagnosis and timely management essential to preserving growth potential and quality of life. By examining the clinical features, imaging characteristics, recurrence risks, and treatment strategies of these tumors, this review aims to enhance early recognition and informed decision-making among clinicians caring for pediatric patients with hand masses.