Rudimentary polydactyly in an adult: an unusual presentation to a dermatological surgery unit.
Accessory digits or polydactyly present uncommonly to dermatologists. Usually they are treated by ligature in the neonatal period or by surgery in childhood. We report a 38-year-old man who presented to a dermatological surgery unit for treatment of a lifelong lesion on the ulnar aspect of his right fifth finger. Clinically this appeared to be a miniature accessory digit and this was discussed with the patient. Subsequent histological examination of the excision specimen confirmed the clinical diagnosis. Further questioning of the patient revealed a strong family history of polydactyly.
Upjohn
Edward
E
St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas Hospital, London, UK. eupjohn@connexus.net.au
Barlow
Richard
R
Robson
Alistair
A
D000328:Adult; D005385:Fingers / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017689:Polydactyly / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery