Introduction:
Lipomas are ubiquitous in human body but a rare presentation in the deep palmar space. The objective of this article is to highlight the key points in the diagnosis and precautions to be taken during surgery so that any untoward complication can be avoided.
Case presentation:
This is a case report of a 55-year-old female housewife presented with a long standing large painless swelling in the right palm. High resolution ultrasound suggested the diagnosis of lipoma. Surgical excision was done taking care not to injure the vital stuctures of the hand. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was able to perform her daily activities without any difficulty or pain.
Conclusion:
Therefore, one should be cautious while dealing with deep palmar lipomas. Palmar lipomas usually do not cause numbness or weakness of the hand. They can be deceptively large and extensive and one should be careful during the work up. Simple imaging such as ultrasound is useful for a superficially located lipoma. MRI, however, provides correct diagnosis in about 94% of cases. Vital structures should be identified and preserved. With careful surgical technique the complications can be prevented.