Ossifying lipoma of the hand: a case report.

INTRODUCTION Ossifying lipoma is an uncommon tumour and its occurrence in the hand is rare. It is often not diagnosed preoperatively. CLINICAL PICTURE Our case presented with a lump in the hand which was painful with activity. The lipomatous component of the tumour was radiologically not distinguishable. TREATMENT The hand was explored through a wide palmar incision, revealing a lipomatous tumour. The tumour was completely excised and diagnosis made after histological examination. OUTCOME After 1 year, the patient has had normal function of the hand with no tumour recurrence. DISCUSSION The diagnosis of ossifying lipoma could be made with certainty only after radiological examination, excision and histological examination. The bony component is of mesenchymal origin and may come about as a result of metaplastic transformation.