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Aggressive Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma

A Silent Malignancy Masquerading as Acquired Digital Fibrokeratoma

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Abstract

Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma (ADPAC) is a rare cutaneous malignant tumor. We report on a 42-year-old man presenting with a nontender firm nodule on his right thumb that had been present for 3 years. The lesion clinically resembled an acquired digital fibrokeratoma, but was found to be an ADPAC after pathologic study of the excised specimens. Consequently, re-excision with a full-thickness skin graft was performed. No signs of local recurrence or metastasis were noted 2.5 years postoperatively. ADPAC should be suspected with an indolent digital tumor even without any clinical change or symptom for years. An excisional biopsy is warranted for correct diagnosis. Appropriate treatment with re-excision or amputation can greatly reduce the recurrence rate to 5%, compared with 50% after simple excision alone.

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Acknowledgments

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this case report. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this case report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Chiayi, Chiayi, Taiwan

    Ching-Chi Chi

  2. Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan

    Tseng-tong Kuo

  3. Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan

    Tseng-tong Kuo &  Shu-Hui Wang

  4. Chang Gung Institute of Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan

    Shu-Hui Wang

  5. Department of Dermatology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Taipei Branch, No. 289, Jianguo Road, Sindian City, Taipei County, 23142, Taiwan

    Shu-Hui Wang

Authors
  1. Ching-Chi Chi
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  2. Tseng-tong Kuo
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  3. Shu-Hui Wang
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Correspondence to Shu-Hui Wang.

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Chi, CC., Kuo, Tt. & Wang, SH. Aggressive Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma. Am J Clin Dermatol 8, 243–245 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200708040-00007

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200708040-00007

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