Large hand mass due to poor primary care access in an internally displaced person in the DRC: a case report.

Abstract

We report a woman in her twenties from a displaced persons camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who presented to our medical clinic with a large exophytic tumour from the palm of her right hand. Examination revealed a 100 x 80 x 50 mm tender, necrotic mass, with no associated lymphadenopathy or metastases. Excision and histopathological analysis confirmed the tumour as a myxoma. This case underscores the rarity of palmar myxomas and highlights the impact of armed conflict on healthcare access. Delayed diagnosis and treatment were attributed to disrupted local health infrastructure and poor access to primary care due to the ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC between the Congolese Army and the M23 paramilitary group. The case emphasises the critical role of primary healthcare in conflict zones for timely diagnosis and referral, which is needed to reduce morbidity from neglected surgical diseases.