METASTASES TO THE HAND FROM CARCINOMA OF THE LOWER ALVEOLUS

A case of carcinoma of the lower alveolus metastasizing to the phalanges of the hand is reported. The possible mechanism of such metastases, the clinical and radiological features and the role of fine needle aspiration cytology are discussed. Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume, 1996) 21B: 4:544-546 Metastases to the bones distal to the elbow comprise 0.2 % of all osseous metastases (Krishnamurthy et al, 1977). Those to the hand comprise about 0.1 % of all metastases (Kerin, 1983). Common primary sites are lung, breast and kidney (Leeson et al, 1986). Metastases to the bones of the hand from a primary of the oral cavity are rare. A case of primary carcinoma of the lower alveolus with metastases to the bones of the hand is reported. CASE REPORT A 70-year-old man presented with a 3-month istory o