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Background Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a benign tumor of peripheral nerves, most commonly reported in the median nerve, and often associated with carpal tunnel symptoms. There have been nearly 200 reported cases of LFH in the median nerve, but to the authors' knowledge, this 10-year-old girl represents the first case report involving the palmar cutaneous branch. Methods An excisional biopsy of the mass was performed via a standard midline palmar incision. The tumor was found encapsulating the palmar cutaneous branch, and thus it was sacrificed. Results The incision healed without issue, but the patient reported numbness in the palm of her hand as was expected. Conclusion LFH is a benign tumor, although it can cause symptoms due to mass effect. If the diagnosis is uncertain or a patient is symptomatic, excisional biopsy can be performed even if involving a cutaneous nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an unusual anatomical variant of the palmar cutaneous branch (PCB) of the median nerve in a 46-year-old man presenting with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. At surgery, after neurolysis, the PCB was visualized arising at the level of the proximal margin of the transverse carpal ligament, mimicking the appearance of the recurrent motor branch. To date, there has been no description of this branch arising at this level. We aim to remind surgeons of this variation and highlight the importance of maintaining vigilance to avoid iatrogenic nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]