Tumors involving the skin of the upper extremity

This review can only introduce the subject of tumors found involving the skin of the upper extremity. Many benign masses as well as some malignant tumors have to be considered when a patient calls to the physician's attention a lump, firm area, color change, ulcer, or other alteration in the skin. In response, the physician must have a high index of suspicion, take a careful history, and carry out a thorough examination in order to develop a safe approach. Thought has to be given to the complex anatomy of this area. Understanding of the pathophysiology of tumors and of possible later additional therapy is needed to plan an appropriate biopsy. In the brief discussions of treatment, the difficulty in choosing margins of resection and assessing the efficacy of lymph node dissection is mentioned. An open mind and assessment of future reports of studies in progress may be helpful. Whatever treatment is applied to the malignant tumors under consideration, it is my opinion that one must persist in this until one obtains tumor-free margins. The surgeon undertaking this responsibility must apply the same tumor techniques including operating room discipline that would be applied to any serious malignancy. Consultation and careful work with colleagues that are able to assess the potential for response to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or radiotherapy, should be sought. Subtle hazards in our environment, such as changing risk of sun exposure, industrial chemicals, and irradiation should be pointed out to our patients. These are a challenge to the student of this subject, just as tobacco products are to those involved with malignancies of the head and neck, respiratory, and other systems. All of the previously mentioned methods must be used in the anatomically complex upper extremity to preserve function while ridding the patient of the burden of a disfiguring or painful benign process, or even a life-threatening malignancy.