Lipoma of the Heel: A Common Benign Tumor Over Uncommon Site

Abstract

Lipoma is a universal benign tumour which is uncommon in foot and especially in sole region. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of foot lesions. A case of lipoma of heel of five years duration in a 48 years old housewife is described in which FNAC was inconclusive. However findings of imaging studies suggested diagnosis of lipoma which was confirmed on histopathological examination of the excised mass. Literature has been reviewed emphasising rarity of site lesion.

Lipoma on the Sole of the Left Foot: Case Report

“…Dholakia and colleagues reported of the five regions in the foot and ankle, namely, the ankle, heel, dorsum of the foot, plantar surface of the foot, and toes for showing the site of the tumor [ 11 ] which is consistent with our findings where the lipoma extended from the medial arch of the foot to the base of the second toe.…”

“…Lipoma usually occurs where fatty tissues are found. They are benign and mesenchymal neoplasms [ 11 ]. These swellings usually affect the shoulder, upper back, trunk, and neck [ 8 ] which disagrees with our case report whereby the lipoma was on the sole.…”

“…These swellings usually affect the shoulder, upper back, trunk, and neck [ 8 ] which disagrees with our case report whereby the lipoma was on the sole. Ozdemir et al as cited by Dholakia et al examined case series of 196-foot tumors and described the most common of them was ganglion after which plantar fibromatosis followed; lipoma accounted for (2%) with just four cases [ 6 , 11 ] Lipomas usually occur in the 4th–7th decades of life and this patient fits into the age category for lipomas [ 11 , 12 ]. Furthermore, lipomas are often found in patients who are obese [ 5 , 13 ] which disagrees with our findings since our patient was in the overweight category with a body mass index of 25.7.…”

“…Although clinically a convincing diagnosis is made, tumors with uncharacteristic clinical features might require radiological examination such as ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which is standard for investigating soft-tissue tumors [ 3 , 8 ]. Septa below 2 mm on CT and MRI imaging are suggestive features of lipoma [ 11 ]; however, these investigations are not routinely done in our subregion mainly due to cost and availability. Ultrasound is mostly the preferred imaging technique which is why it was requested for this patient the case report.…”