Metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma to the finger simulating acute osteomyelitis

A case of metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma to the distal phalanx of the ring finger was initially misdiagnosed as osteomyelitis. The presence of constitutional symptoms, past history of malignancy, the milder and relatively protracted clinical course, the negative culture and lack of response to surgical drainage and antibiotics should make the diagnosis of hand metastasis a distinct possibility. Amputation of the involved digit is an effective palliative treatment and the other foci of metastases should also be treated with systemic chemotherapy.