Digital angiolipoma: uncommon location and presentation of a common tumour

Abstract

A 56-year-old woman presented with an enlarging soft-tissue mass of the left ring finger, causing worsening range of motion in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Excision of the mass was performed and a 3.5×3.5×3 cm lipoma was found displacing the digital neurovascular bundles laterally and posteriorly. Surgical pathology revealed a rare angiolipoma. This case was unusual because of the location of the mass, and the fact that it was non-tender, and larger than the typical angiolipoma presentation. Definitive identification of angiolipomas, especially those without gross vascularisation, as in this case, is often delayed until final pathology. Reporting cases of angiolipoma of the finger will increase awareness of this rare lesion and broaden the differential diagnosis to improve identification and management in future cases. We discuss a surgical approach which successfully increased range of motion of the hand and preserved neurovascular integrity.

Large Angiolipoma of the Hand as a Cause for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

“…Masses of the hand are common; however, angiolipomas of the hand and digits are rare, with only a few case reports found in the English literature. 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 Lipomas of the hand are much more frequent, but a distinct pathology exists between the two entities. Clinically, angiolipomas can be painful and, on average, appear larger than lipomas.…”