What is that lump on my hand?

Finding a lump on your hand can be distressing for obvious reasons. If there is no real injury to the area then it is difficult to understand why the lump could occur. Fortunately the hand is a relatively uncommon area to develop a cancerous lump. The majority of lumps in the hand are benign and can be easily removed.

Ganglion cysts are the most common benign lump to find in the hand and wrist. They typically develop around joints or tendons and are filled with a jelly-like fluid. They can be small like a pea, but sometimes can grow to golf ball size and be quite painful. Their location can interfere with joint movement or irritate structures like tendons and nerves.

After your doctor assesses you, they may request a x-ray and an ultrasound to determine the location of the lump as well as the “stalk” from which it arises. This is very important to find because removing the stalk significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.

Treatment really depends on symptoms. If the cyst is small and asymptomatic it can be left alone. If it is bigger it may be suitable to needle drainage if your doctor thinks it is safe to do so. Some cysts are too close to major arteries and nerves so cannot be drained without risking damage. These require surgical exploration and removal together with the “stalk” of the cyst to prevent recurrence. This procedure can sometimes be suitable for “key-hole” surgery (arthroscopic ganglion excision).

As always, it is very important to first talk to your Doctor for an initial assessment of any lump you find, no matter how small. Better to err on the side of caution.

(picture courtesy of Medical News Today)