Basal cell carcinoma presenting as finger mass. A case report

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are common skin lesions generally recognized by characteristic features. Several varieties are described, a few of which are atypical and rarely affects the hand. The authors present a case consistent with basal cell carcinoma, occurring in a 64-year-old white male, who developed swelling of the distal phalanx of the right middle finger over a period of approximately 5 years. On review of the literature regarding basal cell carcinomas, the authors found only 12 cases of BCC on the digits of the hand or foot, all of which were either periungual or subungual. Usually located in the skin of the head and face, this locally destructive neoplasm is rare for the volar surface of the finger. Metastases does not often occur with a BCC and prognosis for this tumor is excellent with total resection.