Acrometastasis to the Hands: Case Reports and Literature Review
Author Information
Author(s): Flynn C. J., Danjoux C. MD, Wong J. MD, Christakis M. MD, Rubenstein J. MD, Yee A. MD, Yip D., Chow E. MBBS
Primary Institution: Toronto–Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre
Conclusion
Acrometastasis to the hands is rare and often indicates a poor prognosis, but timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
Supporting Evidence
- Acrometastasis accounts for approximately 0.1% of all metastatic osseous involvement.
- Men are almost twice as likely to experience acrometastasis as women.
- The median survival of patients with hand metastases is reported to be 6 months.
- Radiotherapy was effective in relieving pain and improving hand function in the reported cases.
Takeaway
Sometimes, cancer can spread to the hands, which is not very common. If doctors find it early, they can help people feel better and use their hands again.
Methodology
The study involved two case reports and a review of 257 previously reported cases of acrometastasis, analyzing patient demographics, primary cancer sites, and treatment outcomes.
Limitations
Survival data was not consistently reported in the literature, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about prognosis.
Participant Demographics
The median age of patients in the literature review was 58 years, with a range from 18 months to 91 years; men were almost twice as likely to experience acrometastasis as women.
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