Lipoma in thenar and hypothenar eminence of the hand, a rare presentation; case report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Lipomas are benign tumors primarily composed of adipose tissue, typically found in subcutaneous or intramuscular sites across the body. While lipomas in the hand are uncommon, their occurrence in both thenar and hypothenar eminences is exceedingly rare. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case, 65-year-old female admitted to hospital with a ten-year history of progressive swelling in the palmar aspect of her right hand, resulting in limited finger movement. up on physical examination, firm, non-tender, mobile mass on the thenar (6 cm x5cm) and hypothenar (8 cm x3cm) regions. Cytology examination showed adipose tissue fragment compromised of mature adipocytes within oily background confirming a diagnosis of palmar lipoma Surgical excision via a single medial incision was performed under regional anesthesia wrist block, successfully removing the multi-lobulated mass while preserving neurovascular structures and tendons. The patient had an uneventful recovery with excellent wound healing and restored finger mobility. DISCUSSION: Lipomas is a benign tumor composed of adipose tissue that can appear anywhere on the body. It can occur in the subcutaneous layer or at intramuscular or intermuscular sites. A lipoma in the hand appears as a slow-growing, painless, and soft lumpLipomas in both thenar and hypothenar eminences are exceptionally rare, and diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, ultrasound, and FNAC, particularly in resource-limited settings. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the importance of considering lipomas in the differential diagnosis of hand masses and highlights the efficacy of surgical management even in resource-limited settings.