BACKGROUND
Eccrine porocarcinoma (
EPC) was first described in 1963 as an epidermotropic eccrine
carcinoma. Fifty years later, its etiology remains poorly understood. The infrequent nature of this disease merits further inquiry into its etiology, presentation, and standards of management. Furthermore, the propensity for
metastasis, which may be as high as 31% on presentation, increases the importance of investigating this
rare disease. CASE REPORT The patient was a 63-year-old mechanic who presented with the lesion as a chronic
wound following a chemical exposure. The lesion involved the ulnar aspect of his right palm and had concern for extension to the underlying tendons. He underwent a wide excision extending from the wrist to the proximal interphalangeal joint, preserving the ulnar neurovascular bundle. The hand was reconstructed with an anterolateral thigh fascia
perforator flap and a skin graft. He had an excellent functional and cosmetic recovery. Unfortunately, he developed
metastases to the lymph nodes, necessitating an axillary
lymphadenectomy followed by adjuvant chemoradiation using concurrent
cisplatin and
docetaxel with radiation for 6 weeks. Follow-up at 18 months found no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Cases of
EPC presenting in the fingers have been managed with
amputation of the involved phalanges; however, in addition to obtaining complete excision with negative margins, surgeons who deal with
tumors of the hand must also consider the goals of limb preservation, functional preservation, and functional reconstruction. Options for reconstruction following excision include primary closure, dermal regeneration templates, skin grafts, flaps, and free-tissue transfer, depending on what tissue types are needed.