Median nerve compression in carpal tunnel caused by a giant lipoma.

[liposarcoma]

A lipoma is a common , benign soft -tissue tumor that rarely arises in the upper limb . When one does occur in the hand , the location of the lipoma can cause nerve compression , which can mimic carpal tunnel symptoms . Magnetic resonance imaging is the visualization modality of choice for diagnosis and surgical planning of lipomas . Surgical resection is recommended to relieve the neurological manifestations of this disease . The surgeon should always suspect liposarcoma first before voluminous , atypical , or recurrent tumors are considered .