Malignant Bone Tumors of the Hand

Malignant bone tumors are very rare entities in the bones of the hand. The histologic subtypes (chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing-sarcoma) preferentially manifest in varying regions of the skeleton. Chondrosarcomas are the most frequent malignant bone tumor type in the hand. Cardinal symptoms of malignant bone tumors in the hand and in general are a new swelling and pain in the affected bones. The primary diagnostic tools are radiologic techniques (x-ray, CT, MRI) for assessment of local tumor growth and the oncologic staging. A definitive treatment of malignant bone tumors should be carried out in specialized centers, as these tumors are rare. Surgical therapy is completed by chemo- or radiotherapy, if required because of histologic subtype and local or systemic spreading. Safe margins of tumor resection should be preferred to function-preserving treatment for tumors of the hand while the preservation of functional units should be pursued whenever possible.