About 95% of hand tumors are benign, and depending on the type, both treatment and recovery are relatively straightforward. The most common are ganglion cysts and giant cells of the tendon covering. Beyond certain discomforts that they cause, these malformations do not represent any risk to the health of those who suffer them. In this FastlyHealarticle, we show what the causes that answer the question of why I lump my hand are.
Table of Contents
Symptoms associated with lumps in the hand
Symptoms related to lumps on the hands vary significantly according to several factors such as tissue type, size, and location. Most of these malformations present as a visible lump in the hand or wrist. They can form gradually over time or appear suddenly on or below the skin’s surface. Some may be soft, others firm, and may or may not move when palpated.
Many tumors are painless and are not diagnosed until they interfere with the normal function of the hand or enlarge. Tumors that grow near a nerve or in the bone are often extremely painful, so their diagnosis is more necessary. Depending on their location, they can affect joint mobility or alter the aesthetics of the hand.
Common types of tumors in the hand
The most common of all these tumors is the so-called ganglion cyst. These are gelatinous sac that forms outside of a joint or tendon sheath. It occurs most often on the wrist but can also be found around the finger joints. It is generated when a part of the joint capsule becomes inflamed and fills with fluid intended to lubricate the joint or tendon.
The second most common tumor is the giant cell tumor of the tendon covering. Unlike the ganglion cyst filled with fluid, these tumors are solid masses. They are slow to grow and can appear anywhere a tendon covering is nearby. They unfold in the soft tissue under the skin. These tumors are not malignant.
Other types of tumors are less common, including:
- Lipomas (fatty tumors)
- Neuromas (tumors in the nerves)
- Glomus tumors (vascular tumors)
- Fibromas
Why do I lump on my hand?
The hand comprises many different tissue types (bone, skin, fat, tendons, blood vessels, ligaments, etc.), so it is possible to find many different kinds of lumps. The causes of its appearance are imprecise, but trauma plays a vital role in some development.
On the other hand, repetitive movements often produce small lesions that can become inflamed and lead to abnormal cell growth. Also, occasionally, skin cells can become trapped in the tissues, causing an encapsulation of the same as a protective response of the body. On the other hand, if you have arthritis, it is possible that the so-called bone spurs appear, which can be complicated and painful.
Another cause that can produce these malformations is foreign bodies, such as a splinter, which can generate reactions that form lumps in hand.
Its location in hand also depends on the type of tumor. Ganglion cysts are usually located in the joints of the hand and wrist. Giant cell tendon sheaths present as a solid lump on the palmar surface of the finger and can make it difficult to flex the affected finger fully.
Lump in hand: treatment
Most hand tumors require surgical intervention to remove them altogether and prevent a recurrence. Usually, these interventions are outpatient, and the patient’s return to his home is estimated on the same day. The extracted tissue is analyzed as it is the only way to know if it is benign or not. This would be the case in which additional therapy would be required after this intervention, apart from, of course, treatment to regain the hand’s functionality entirely.
95% of these tumors are not malignant. The possibility of cancer is rare, but it can occur. This is why a doctor should examine all abnormal growths.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I lump my hand , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints and Muscles category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.