Ewing's sarcoma of the hand

Imaging Features of Primary Tumors of the Hand

Musculoskeletal tumors of the hand are a rare entity and are divided into skeletal and soft tissue tumors. Either category comprises benign and malignant or even intermediate tumors. Basic radiology allows an optimal resolution of bone and related soft tissue areas, ultrasound and more sophisticated radiologic tools such as scintigraphy, CT and MRI allow a more accurate evaluation of tumor extent. Enchondroma is the most common benign tumor affecting bone, whereas chondrosarcoma is the most commonly represented malignant neoplasm localized to hand bones. In the soft tissues, ganglions are the most common benign tumors and epithelioid sarcoma is the most frequently represented malignant tumor targeting hand soft tissues. The knowledge regarding diagnostic and therapeutic management of these tumors is often deriving from small case series, retrospective studies or even case reports. Evidences from prospective studies or controlled trials are limited and for this lack of clear and supported evidences, data from the medical literature on the topic are controversial, in terms of demographics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. The correct recognition of the specific subtype and extension of the tumor through first line and second line radiology is essential for the surgeon, in order to effectively direct the therapeutic decisions.

Ewing's Sarcoma Localized in the Mandible: A Case Report

Ewing's sarcoma is one of the most aggressive primary bone tumours. Ewing's sarcoma arising from the bones of the head and neck region is extremely rare; only 4-9% of all Ewing's sarcoma originate in this region. We report a case of Ewing's sarcoma localized in the mandible because of its unusual presentation.

Clinical management of Ewing sarcoma of the bones of the hands and feet: a retrospective single-institution review

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Bones of the hands and feet are uncommon sites for Ewing sarcoma. In this study, we reviewed our experience in the management of these tumors.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical presentation, management, and outcome of patients with Ewing sarcoma of the bones of hands and feet treated at our institution (1981-2006).

RESULTS

The cohort included 6 males and 3 females (8 white, 1 African American; median age at diagnosis, 15 years). Primary tumor site was the hand in 6 and the foot in 3 patients. Three patients had distant metastatic disease at diagnosis (lung [n = 2]; ipsilateral axillary lymph node[(n = 1]). All patients had painful swelling at the primary site, and 2 (22%) had pathological fracture. All patients received chemotherapy and local control measures (surgery [n = 6], radiation [n = 2], surgery and radiation [(n = 1]). Three patients received radiotherapy for distant metastases. Three patients had systemic recurrence (lungs [n = 2], lung and brain [n = 1]); none had local tumor recurrence. Median follow-up was 5 years. Five patients (55.6%) are alive at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy and surgical excision of primary tumor are the mainstays of treatment. Radiotherapy is recommended for local control of lesions in the hand for patients declining excisional therapy.

Ewing's sarcoma of the finger: report of two cases and literature review

Ewing's sarcoma of the finger is extremely rare. Pain and swelling of the affected finger are the most frequent presenting features. We report two cases of Ewing's sarcoma located at ring finger and the thumb in two children aged 14 and 10 years. The first patient died of generalised metastases despite surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The second had no localised recurrence or metastases after surgery and chemotherapy at last follow-up of 4.5 years after tumour resection. The tumour's surgical accessibility, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy improve the prognosis of this tumour.

Ewings sarcoma of the hand-a case report

Ewings sarcoma of the hand is relatively rare. Ewings sarcoma can present with minimal pain and swelling of the affected digit. The Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein may be high. Radiologically, Ewings sarcoma can present with a plethora of features from permeative bone destruction to expansile lesions with or without periosteal reaction. Because of these features, this can be confused with Tuberculosis especially in a country like ours where Tuberculosis is endemic. This leads to starting of inappropriate treatment and delay in diagnosis. We report a case of an 18 year old boy who was initially diagnosed as Tuberculous dactylytis of the proximal phalanx of the little finger. He was started on anti-tuberculous treatment and did not respond to it. Subsequent investigation in our centre which also included an open biopsy, confirmed the diagnosis of Ewings sarcoma. He was treated with ray excision, and chemotherapy. This case is being presented for its rarity and also to emphasize the fact that an open biopsy in suspected cases would be appropriate to confirm the diagnosis. This would prevent delay in diagnosis of rare conditions like Ewings sarcoma.

Malignant and metastatic tumors of the hand

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.

Single ray amputation for tumors of the hand

Single ray amputation after hand trauma or infection can result in good aesthetic and functional outcomes. The role of this procedure in the management of aggressive benign or malignant hand tumors has been described only in case reports and small case series. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all 25 patients who underwent single ray amputations at our center during a 10-year period; there were seven index, five middle, six ring, and seven small ray amputations performed. The minimum followup was 2 months (mean, 36 months; range, 2-120 months), with four patients having a followup of 1 year or less. No patients had local recurrences, although two patients had positive resection margins. One underwent repeat resection followed by radiotherapy. The other was treated with radiotherapy alone, as local tumor control would have required a hand amputation. Functional assessment based on the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society staging system showed an average of 27.5 (range, 21-30). Patients who underwent perioperative radiotherapy experienced a decrease in functional ability. Grip strength was an average of 66% (range, 38%-100%) of the contralateral side. Our study suggests single ray amputation for hand tumors has a low local recurrence rate and high functional scores. However, function can be compromised by radiotherapy and a decrease in grip strength by a mean of 34% is to be expected.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.