Pagonis et al. Journal of Medical Case Reports 2011, 5:552 http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/5/1/552 conjunction with good clinical evaluation and the use of appropriate investigative studies are mandatory in order to avoid unnecessary re-operations and complications. This case presentation shows not only that a sound ori- ginal diagnosis might have prevented three further re- operations and a complication including the flexor polli- cis longus tendon, but also points out the necessity of a structured and complete clinical examination. Our report stresses the fact that marginal excision of lipomas is restorative. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompany- ing images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal. Authors’ contributions TP assisted in the surgery, analyzed and interpreted the patient data and was a major contributor in writing the manuscript. PG performed the surgery and was a major contributor in writing the manuscript. AC was a major contributor in writing the manuscript and performed the histologic analysis of the excised tumor. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Received: 11 July 2011 Accepted: 15 November 2011 Published: 15 November 2011 References 1. Capelastegui A, Astigarraga E, Fernandez-Canton G, Saralegui I, Larena JA, Merino A: Masses and pseudomasses of the hand and wrist: MR findings in 134 cases. Skeletal Radiol 1999, 28:498-507. 2. Contran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins’ pathologic basis of disease. 4 edition. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1989, 179-184. 3. Cribb GL, Cool WP, Ford DJ, Mangham DC: Giant lipomatous tumours of the hand and forearm. J Hand Surg 2005, 30B:509-512. 4. Grivas TB, Psarakis SA, Kaspiris A, Liapi G: Giant lipoma of the thenar - Ccse study and contemporary approach to its aetiopathogenicity. Hand 2009, 4:173-176. 5. Paarlberg D, Linscheid RL, Soule EH: Lipomas of the hand. Including a case of lipoblastomatosis in a child. Mayo Clin Proc 1972, 47:121-4. 6. Kooby DA, Antonescu CR, Brennan MF, Singer S: Atypical lipomatous tumour/well differentiated liposarcoma of the extremity and trunk wall: importance of histological subtype with treatment recommendations. Ann Surg Oncol 2004, 11:78-84. 7. Brand MG, Gelberman RH: Lipoma of the flexor digitorum superficialis causing triggering at the carpal canal and median nerve compression. J Hand Surg 1988, 13A:342-344. 8. Jagannath KK, Ramachandra KB, Praveen B, Shridhar Chetna S: A giant lipoma in the hand - report of a rare case. Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences 2006, 5 [http://www.ojhas.org/issue17/2006-1-6.htm]. 9. McEnery ET, Schmitz RL, Nelson PA: Palmar lipoma: report of a case. AMA Arch Surg 1959, 79:699-700. 10. Phalen GS, Kendrick JI, Rodriguez JM: Lipomas of the upper extremity. A series of fifteen tumors in the hand and wrist and six tumors causing nerve compression. Am J Surg 1971, 121:298-306. doi:10.1186/1752-1947-5-552 Cite this article as: Pagonis et al.: Complications arising from a misdiagnosed giant lipoma of the hand and palm: a case report. Journal of Medical Case Reports 2011 5:552. Page 5 of 5 Submit your next manuscript to BioMed Central and take full advantage of: • Convenient online submission • Thorough peer review • No space constraints or color ﬁgure charges • Immediate publication on acceptance • Inclusion in PubMed, CAS, Scopus and Google Scholar • Research which is freely available for redistribution Submit your manuscript at www.biomedcentral.com/submit