Malignant and metastatic tumors of the hand

Abstract

Malignant tumors of the hand are rare, although there remain many instances in which marginal excisions are performed for unsuspected malignant hand lesions. Suboptimal biopsy incisions and inadvertent contamination during these excisions may result in larger resections or amputations being necessary to ensure complete removal of the tumor with negative margins. This article provides an update for the current management of patients with primary malignant and metastatic tumors of the hand, including the roles of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy for the more common hand tumors.