An unexpected tumour of the finger: review and management

Abstract

We report the case of digital papillary adenocarcinoma in a patient presenting with a solitary fingertip mass. This rare sweat gland tumour has a frequently inconspicuous clinical course but significant potential for recurrence and metastasis. The prognostic implications therefore highlights the necessity of addressing even benign-appearing lesions with expedience.

Recurrence of digital papillary invasive adenocarcinoma

“…DPA are often delayed in diagnosis because of either misdiagnosis for benign lesions or underreporting, which can contribute to poor prognosis and metastasis. The fundamental histologic characteristics of DPA are the presence of papillary projections in cystic spaces in a multinodular tumor lined by epithelial cells [ 8 ]. This tumor can also be described to have locally aggressive behavior with poor glandular distribution and necrosis with invasion into blood vessels and soft tissue [ 9 ].…”