title: Ossifying lipoma of the hand: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ossifying lipoma is an uncommon tumour and its occurrence in the hand is rare. It is often not diagnosed preoperatively.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our case presented with a lump in the hand which was painful with activity. The lipomatous component of the tumour was radiologically not distinguishable.
  
  
  METHODS
  The hand was explored through a wide palmar incision, revealing a lipomatous tumour. The tumour was completely excised and diagnosis made after histological examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 1 year, the patient has had normal function of the hand with no tumour recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169608. ghstlc@sgh.com.sg
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Teoh
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008067:Lipoma / Q000473:pathology*; D008679:Metaplasia; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000175:diagnosis*