A recent case report published in Skin on June 26 details a rare occurrence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) affecting a patient's finger. BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and typically appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face and neck, but its presence on fingers—known as digital BCC—is uncommon due to the low number of sebaceous glands in these regions.
The report focuses on a 63-year-old man who presented with a painful, progressively enlarging lesion on his right middle finger that had persisted for three years. Upon clinical examination, doctors observed a 12-mm red plaque with two 4-mm bluish-black, firm nodules and surface crusting.
Surgical excision was performed, and subsequent histopathological analysis confirmed nodular basal cell carcinoma. Microscopic examination revealed tumor nodules composed of basaloid cells exhibiting peripheral palisading and melanin granules within the tumor nests.
The authors said digital BCC is frequently misdiagnosed because it can resemble other conditions such as melanocytic tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen disease, or Merkel cell carcinoma. They said that while noninvasive imaging techniques like dermoscopy and reflective confocal microscopy may help distinguish between these conditions, biopsy remains the definitive method for diagnosis.
The case underscores the importance of considering BCC even in atypical locations. The authors said early recognition and complete surgical removal are necessary to prevent local progression and complications.
