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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Isolation from Pulp Tissue and Co-Culture with Cancer Cells to Study Their Interactions
Published on: January 7, 2019
Metastatic carcinoma presenting as a pulp space infection
The Hand
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Esophageal carcinoma can metastasize to the terminal phalanx, mimicking a pulp space infection. This case highlights a rare presentation of advanced cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Metastatic disease rarely presents in the distal extremities.
- Pulp space infections are common hand infections, typically bacterial.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms consistent with a pulp space infection of the terminal phalanx.
- Imaging and biopsy revealed a metastasis.
Findings:
- The metastasis originated from a primary carcinoma of the esophagus.
- This represents an unusual site for esophageal cancer metastasis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider metastatic disease in the differential diagnosis of atypical hand infections.
- Early recognition of unusual metastasis sites is crucial for patient management.
