DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2017.v05i01.016

Pages: 46-49

A lipoma is a very common benign tumor known to occur in any part of the body. It is also known to increase to very large sizes. Large lipomatous growths of the thigh are known for malignant transformation. Investigative modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound scan, computed tomography scan and even plain radiograph help a great deal in their differential diagnosis; but the challenge that constantly faces the surgeon in a resource poor economy is the inability of the Patient to afford such investigations. Another challenge is encountered during the treatment as regards the surgical approach which will allow good access at the medial end of the tumour with careful considerations for the vessels. And in a resource poor economy where the patient cannot afford some investigations, the demand for magnetic resonance image becomes very farfetched. In this case, we present a 26 year old man who presented himself ( in one of our frequent free medical outreaches to rural communities) with a huge upper anterior thigh mass for over 6 years which had continuously increase in size with associated pains and disfiguring appearance with social embarrassment. A plain radiograph showed a very huge mass extending to the anterior superior iliac spine and the lesser trochanter of the left femur.