Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Dorsal Hand: An Update and Comprehensive Review of the Literature

BACKGROUNDExcessive ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is the primary predisposing factor for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, surprisingly, BCCs occur very rarely on the dorsal hand, which is subject to intense sun exposure, and their infrequent presentation in this location suggests that other factors besides UVR may play a role in BCC pathogenesis. Because dorsal hand BCCs are uncommon, knowledge of their characteristics is limited, and more data are needed to describe their clinical presentation and treatment.OBJECTIVETo perform an updated review of the literature on the management of dorsal hand BCCs.METHODSThe authors conducted a comprehensive literature review by searching the PubMed database with the key phrases basal cell carcinoma dorsal hand, basal cell carcinoma hand, and basal cell carcinoma finger, and basal cell carcinoma thumb.RESULTSThe authors identified 176 cases of dorsal hand BCCs in the literature, 120 of which had sufficient data for analysis. Only 4 cases were treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). The authors present 14 additional cases of dorsal hand BCCs treated with MMS.CONCLUSIONBasal cell carcinomas on the dorsal hand occur infrequently, and potential risk factors include being a male of white descent and personal history of skin cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery seems to be an effective treatment method.