Giant lipoma of the hand causing median nerve compression

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Jun 28:2017:bcr2017220056. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-220056.

Abstract

Lipomas are benign neoplasms derived from adipose tissue composed of mature adipocytes. They account for almost 50% of all soft-tissue neoplasms and occur in up to 2% of the population. They usually present asymptomatically as solitary discrete mobile lumps found most commonly on the neck, upper back, proximal limbs and chest. In less than 1% of cases, they can be found in the distal extremities.We discuss the case of a 65-year-old man who presented with a 2-year history of a slowly enlarging left palm swelling, with recent-onset numbness and loss of power in the distribution of the median nerve. MRI studies showed that the 5×4×2.7 cm lipoma had a component extending into the distal aspect of the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve. It was successfully excised, and at follow-up the patient reported complete resolution of his symptoms.

Keywords: Orthopaedics; orthopaedic and trauma surgery; plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Edema / etiology
  • Hand / innervation
  • Hand / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Hypesthesia / etiology
  • Lipoma / complications*
  • Lipoma / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Median Nerve / pathology*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / surgery