Metastasis of renal cancer to the wrist and hand: a case report

Abstract

Metastases to the hand and wrist are rare. The lung, breast and kidneys are the most common sites of primary lesions that metastasize in the hand. Phalanges are more commonly involved than metacarpals and wrist. We report the case of a neglected, large metastatic tumour involving a patient’s left wrist and metacarpus originating form renal adenocarcinoma cancer, which appeared 2 years prior to the diagnosis of the primary neoplasm. The tumour was resected, but without oncologic margins. After obtaining histological verification (clear cell renal cell carcinoma) the patient had been proposed amputation, but he refused and was given chemotherapy. Imaging towards possible other distant metastases (CT and PET scanning) was negative. At 6 months follow -up the patient showed good general condition, no local recurrence, and regained some hand function.