Lipoma of the middle finger in an elderly male: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Lipomas are common benign tumors originating from adipocytes, often found in adipose-rich regions of the body. Lipomas in the fingers are rare, and their occurrence in acral areas is even more exceptional. We present a case of an elderly male with a lipoma on the middle finger of his left hand, highlighting the rarity of this presentation and the importance of surgical management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old male presented with a painless swelling on the palmar aspect of his left middle finger. The mass had gradually enlarged over two years, without associated symptoms. Physical examination revealed a soft, painless mass between the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, with intact finger function. Surgical excision was performed successfully, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a benign lipoma. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Lipomas are most commonly found in adipose-rich areas but rarely manifest in the fingers. Surgical intervention is considered when symptoms arise or for cosmetic reasons. In this case, the patient's desire for symptom relief and the potential for compression-related issues justified surgical excision. Surgical management of finger lipomas has shown positive outcomes with minimal complications and low recurrence rates. CONCLUSION: This case emphasizes the importance of considering lipomas in the differential diagnosis of painless finger swellings, even in atypical locations. Surgical intervention can provide effective symptom relief and prevent potential complications. While this case contributes to our understanding of finger lipomas, further research and long-term follow-up are needed to enhance our knowledge of these rare occurrences and their management.