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08:11
Vascularized Composite Upper Limb Allograft Harvesting for Proximal Arm Allotransplantation
Published on: June 13, 2025
Cutaneous malignancies of the upper extremity.
Christopher English1, Warren C Hammert
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|January 28, 2012
Summary
This review covers the diagnosis and treatment of the three most common hand skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. It details surgical resection margins and the necessity of sentinel lymph node biopsies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Cutaneous malignancies are the most frequent primary cancers affecting the hand.
- Hand surgeons are often the initial point of contact or are referred patients due to their specialized knowledge of this anatomical area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and treatment of the three most common cutaneous malignancies of the hand.
- To provide guidance on critical aspects of management, including surgical resection margins and the indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on diagnostic criteria for common hand skin cancers.
- Analysis of current treatment guidelines for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma of the hand.
- Evaluation of evidence regarding optimal surgical margins and sentinel lymph node biopsy in these specific malignancies.
Main Results:
- Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma are the predominant skin cancers on the hand.
- Effective management requires accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.
- Consideration of resection margins and sentinel lymph node status is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Hand surgeons play a vital role in the management of hand cutaneous malignancies.
- Adherence to established diagnostic and treatment protocols, including appropriate surgical planning, is essential.
- Further research may refine indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy in specific hand cancer scenarios.
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