Clinicopathological Analysis of Soft Tissue Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions of the Fingers in an Industrial Region: A Retrospective Evaluation of 134 Patients

Aim This study aimed to determine the clinicopathological spectrum and incidence of soft tissue tumors and tumor-like lesions of the fingers in Kocaeli and to evaluate whether occupational factors in a highly industrialized region influence their distribution. Methods Of 218 patients who underwent surgery for soft tissue masses of the hand and wrist between December 2014 and July 2025, 134 patients (61.4%) with masses located in the fingers were included. Patient demographics, lesion side (right/left), lesion location (dorsal/volar), clinical pre-diagnosis, and pathological diagnosis were analyzed. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean age of patients was 47.6 ± 13.5 years, and 50.7% were male. Lesions were located on the right hand in 48.5% of cases, with the most frequently affected fingers being the third (32.8%) and first (25.4%) fingers. The most common tumor was the tendon sheath giant cell tumor (TSGCT) (37.3%), followed by the ganglion cyst (14.2%). Epidermal cysts were significantly more common in men (p = 0.039). The overall concordance between clinical and pathological diagnoses was 76.1%, with fibroma being the most frequently misdiagnosed lesion. Conclusions All excised soft tissue tumors and tumor-like lesions of the fingers were benign. TSGCT was the most common tumor in this series, with a higher prevalence than previously reported in the literature. Clinical diagnoses are generally reliable, although rare lesions can be challenging. Because complete excision is particularly important for TSGCT and glomus tumors, combining clinical, radiological, and histopathological evaluation of finger masses can help ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.