Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the hand: A case report

The present study reports the case of a 58-year-old male patient who repeatedly presented with hand ulcers that were diagnosed as cellulitis. Upon histological analysis, however, an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) was diagnosed. IMTs rarely occur in the hands. The involved tissue was removed with the tumor, with the exception of the tendons and cutaneous nerve. The involved tendon sheath and epineurium were carefully resected. After 2 years of follow-up, the patient showed no signs of tumor recurrence and the hand function was good. IMTs in the hands are relatively rare, and are often easily misdiagnosed as infection. An early and correct diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. A biopsy is necessary following debridement of the infected lesion, particularly for recurrent infected lesions. The surgical approach should be conservative, in order to maintain maximum hand function.