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.