Aggressive Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma: Case Report of a Positive Sentinel Lymph Node and Discussion of Utility of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy.

Abstract

Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma (ADPA) is an uncommon eccrine sweat gland tumor of the distal extremities that is associated with a high rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Current opinion suggests that sentinel lymph node evaluation should be done for high-risk tumors where lymph node spread is a concern. Despite documented spread to regional lymph nodes, information on sentinel lymph node status in ADPA is reported infrequently, with only 1 documented case of positive findings. We report on a case of ADPA of the right long finger where sentinel lymph node biopsy was done and positive for metastases in the axilla, resulting in a subsequent completion lymphadenectomy. To determine the benefit of sentinel lymph node biopsy in ADPA, there is a need for more cases of sentinel lymph node evaluation along with data on local recurrence and distant metastasis in those with positive and negative findings.