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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
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A "Patient-Like" Orthotopic Syngeneic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis
Published on: October 24, 2015
Summary
Bone metastases in the hand, though rare, commonly occur in the distal phalanx. Primary cancers in the lung, kidney, or breast often metastasize to the hand, mimicking infections.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
Background:
- Skeletal metastases typically occur in areas with active red bone marrow.
- Metastases distal to the elbow and knee are consequently uncommon.
Observation:
- A review of 67 patients with metastatic hand tumors, plus two new cases, identified the distal phalanx as the most frequent site.
- Hypernephroid carcinoma and bronchogenic carcinoma were observed to metastasize to the distal thumb phalanx, presenting as whitlow infections.
Findings:
- The most common primary tumor sites metastasizing to the hand are lung, kidney, and breast.
- Radiographic examination often reveals lytic bone lesions, sometimes with soft tissue extension, mimicking infections like whitlow.
- Differential diagnoses for lytic bone lesions include benign and malignant neoplasms, but metastases are most frequent.
Implications:
- Early recognition of peripheral bone metastases is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Treatment may involve X-ray and chemotherapy to manage pain, or surgical intervention (exstirpation) if necessary.
- Prognosis for patients with bone metastases to the hand is generally poor, with short survival rates.
