Malignant Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors of Hand and Upper Limb-Malignant and Metastatic Tumors of the Hand

Malignant and Metastatic Tumors of the Hand

Pdf Summary

Malignant tumors of the hand are rare, but it is important for hand surgeons to be aware of the signs of malignancy and the principles of optimal biopsy. Soft tissue sarcomas of the hand have a better prognosis compared to those at other sites, and complete excision of the tumor with negative margins is crucial for local control and patient survival. Staging studies for soft tissue sarcomas of the hand should include radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scans. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be considered in certain cases, but its utility has not been established. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for soft tissue sarcomas of the hand, with the goal of achieving negative margins while preserving hand function. Radiotherapy is important in reducing local recurrence rates, and both preoperative and postoperative radiation have their advantages. Chemotherapy has been shown to reduce recurrence rates and improve overall survival in localized soft tissue sarcomas, and targeted therapy may enhance the response to chemotherapy in the future. Chondrosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor of the hand and often requires wide excision. Osteogenic sarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma can also occur in the hand, and treatment typically involves wide excision and chemotherapy. Metastatic tumors to the hand are rare but can present with pain and swelling and may be mistaken for infections. Treatment options include palliative radiation and amputations for fungating lesions. Overall, the management of malignant and metastatic tumors of the hand requires a multidisciplinary approach and individualized treatment plans.

Keywords

malignant tumors

hand surgeons

soft tissue sarcomas

complete excision

negative margins

radiographs

chemotherapy

chondrosarcoma

wide excision

metastatic tumors