Thumb-Sparing Surgery for Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPA) is a rare eccrine sweat gland tumor that often appears as a solitary, non-painful, gradually enlarging mass. Clinically, DPA presents considerable challenges due to its high likelihood of recurrence and its tendency to spread to the lymph nodes and lungs. This case report focuses on the surgical treatment of a unique case of DPA located on the dorsal thumb in a 46-year-old male. The patient initially underwent wide local excision with temporary wound coverage, and once final histopathological findings confirmed negative margins, a second procedure consisting of thumb interphalangeal joint fusion and first dorsal metacarpal artery flap coverage was performed. Eighteen months later, the patient continued to work in landscaping, performing the physically demanding tasks required by the job. This case demonstrates the feasibility of thumb preservation in the setting of soft tissue malignancy once negative margins are obtained.