Compressive Neuropathy of the Ulnar Nerve in the Hypothenar Region by Lipoma: Case Report

Abstract

Lipomas are well-defined tumors of the adipose tissue that often occur in the torso or the extremities of adult patients. These tumors usually develop painlessly and insidiously, but they may compress adjacent structures. The objective of the present study is to describe the case of a 68-year-old female patient with a giant lipoma located at the hypothenar region, with manifestation of compression of the common palmar digital nerves, the ulnar nerve, and the abductor muscle of the V finger. Regarding the symptoms, the patient felt moderate pain in the hypothenar region, with no Tinel sign, and no changes in the motor function or sensibility of the digits innervated by the ulnar nerve. Lipomas may present a varied range of histological characteristics, and malignant tumors may be a differential diagnosis. An imaging exam may aid in the diagnosis, which is confirmed by a histopathological study. For the present case, as recommended in the literature, a surgical procedure was performed for the resection of the tumor, which resulted in the control of the symptoms.

Keywords

• lipoma
• neuropathy
• ulnar nerve
• soft-tissue tumor