An isolated unusual digit metastasis from esophageal carcinoma: a case report

Distant soft tissue tumor metastasis isolated in the digit, presenting as a primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is considered extremely rare. Herein, we present a rare case of a 44-year-old male patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus associated with the clinical symptoms of progressive dysphagia and hoarseness in the course of 2 days. During the second course of chemotherapy, the patient sustained a fall with scald to his right ring finger, while the swelling in the right ring finger was soft, cystic and 2.0×1.8 cm in size. Then, phalangectomy was performed in his right ring finger and pathologic diagnosis was considered metastasis from the esophagus. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to this disease within 2 months of diagnosis of metastasis. In conclusion, detection of soft tissue metastasis may have prognostic implications, providing more accessible biopsy sites and helping avoid invasive procedures.