We studied the records of twenty-nine patients with forty-one metastatic
lesions of the hand or foot. In five patients the lesions mimicked a benign
condition, and inappropriate treatment was given. In eleven patients the
acrometastases were the first indication of malignant disease, and four
other patients had no known primary malignant lesion. Amputation of a
phalanx, digit, or ray is recommended for most solitary phalangeal,
metacarpal, or metatarsal lesions when the expected period of survival of
the patient exceeds a few months.