Hand/Wrist Pain: Bumps

Hand/Wrist Bumps Kirkland, WA

Dr. Galle often encounters various types of bumps or growths on the hands, which can range from benign to potentially malignant. Some of the more common bumps that Dr. Galle sees include:

1. Ganglion Cysts: These jelly filled sacs can form near joints or tendons in the wrist or hand. Ganglion cysts can cause pain or discomfort and may require treatment if they interfere with hand function.
2. Epidermal inclusion cysts: These bumps are thought to result from trauma where skin cells are trapped inside the hand. They almost form a “pearl” like structure that can be painful if located on the wrong part of the hand. 
3. Lipomas: Lipomas are benign tumors made up of fat cells. They can occur anywhere on the body, including the hands, and typically present as soft, movable lumps under the skin. 
4. Giant Cell Tumors of Tendon Sheath: These benign tumors typically arise from the synovium of tendon sheaths and present as slow-growing, painless lumps on the fingers or hand. They can be aggressive in the hand and surgery to remove them is generally recommended. 
5. Neuromas: Neuromas are benign growths of nerve tissue that may cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand and fingers.
6. Enchondromas: These are benign bone tumors composed of cartilage that can occur in the bones of the hand. While usually without symptoms, enchondromas may cause pain or fractures if they grow large enough to weaken the bone. 
7. Glomus Tumors: Glomus tumors are rare, benign tumors and can be particularly painful, oftentimes due to cold. Surgical removal is very successful and a very satisfying surgery for both patients and surgeons alike. 
8. Foreign Bodies: Hand surgeons may also treat bumps caused by foreign bodies lodged under the skin, such as splinters, thorns, or metal fragments. 
9. Skin Lesions: Various benign and malignant skin lesions can appear as bumps on the hands, including skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Hand surgeons may perform biopsies or excisions to diagnose and treat these lesions appropriately.
10. Cysts and Tumors of the Bones: While less common, cysts and tumors can arise from the bones of the hand, such as osteoid osteomas, osteoblastomas, or enchondromas. Treatment may involve surgical excision or other interventions, depending on the specific diagnosis and clinical presentation.

These are just a few examples of the bumps and growths that Dr. Galle encounters on a daily basis. Further imaging of your bump may include radiographs, an ultrasound or sometimes an MRI for further diagnosis. Proper evaluation, diagnosis, and management by a qualified hand surgeon like Dr. Galle is essential achieving the best results possible.