Unexpected Digit: Isolated Acrometastasis to the Fifth Finger in Advanced Lung Cancer

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of lung cancer spreading to the fifth finger, highlighting treatment strategies and the need for a multidisciplinary approach.

Contribution

The novelty lies in presenting an isolated acrometastasis case without additional bone metastases in advanced lung cancer.

Findings

Isolated acrometastasis occurred in the fifth finger without other bone metastases in a stage IV lung cancer patient.

Multidisciplinary management combining surgery, radiation, and systemic treatment is emphasized for such cases.

The paper discusses potential mechanisms behind acrometastatic spread in lung cancer.

Abstract

Acrometastasis is a rare manifestation of metastatic disease that affects the distal extremities and can occur as a complication of non-small-cell lung cancer. It is often associated with advanced disease and may coincide with other skeletal or systemic metastases. Management options typically include a combination of surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and systemic treatment. This report presents a case of an isolated acrometastatic lesion in the fifth digit of a patient with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma, without evidence of additional metastatic bone involvement. We explore diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for such presentations and emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in optimizing patient care. We also address the underlying pathophysiology and potential mechanisms contributing to acrometastatic spread.

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