Clear-cell carcinoma of the lung metastatic to the hamate: a case report

Metastatic lesions of the hand are uncommon. A report of a solitary metastasis to the hamate seems not to have appeared previously in the literature. A 46-year-old factory worker presented a rare tumor, clear-cell carcinom of the lung, metastasizing to an unusual location, the hamate. The symptoms simulated sympathetic dystrophy and diagnosis was delayed because of the late appearance of radiographic changes over 6 months after symptoms first appeared. Early bone scanning in patients with chronic pain may provide useful information prior to the appearance of X-ray changes.