Common Hand Masses

There are many different types of hand tumors and cysts. The good news is that most of them are benign and can be treated easily with the help of an orthopedic doctor. An abnormal lump or mass in the hand is considered a hand tumor. The word tumor may sound alarming, but it doesn’t mean it’s malignant or cancerous. Most hand tumors are benign and can be treated simply, regardless of the cause. Some hand tumors may appear on the surface or are located underneath the soft tissue or even in the bone. Since there are so many types of tissues in the hand, there are many places where a tumor could occur.

What Are Hand Cysts?

A hand cyst may also be known as a hand tumor as they’re closely related, and both can be located in various places and tissues within the hand. Like tumors, cysts are rarely cancerous and can be treated successfully by a trained orthopedic surgeon.

Common Types of Hand Cysts

• Ganglion cysts. A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous cyst that develops along the joints or tendons of your hands or wrists. They’re usually oval or round and are filled with thick fluid. They’re typically small but can be quite painful if located near a nerve.

• Epidermal inclusion cysts. This non-cancerous cyst sometimes appears near where a previous puncture wound or cut was located. It’s usually filled with a waxy, soft material called keratin.

• Digital Mucoid Cysts. A digital mucoid cyst is a ganglion cyst located on the distal interphalangeal joint of a finger, closest to the fingertip. They’re filled with mainly hyaluronic acid in a thick fluid. The exact cause is unknown but is strongly associated with degenerative joint disease (DJD) or repeated trauma.

Other Types of Hand Tumors

• Glomus tumor. This type of benign soft tissue neoplasm typically occurs in people between the ages of 20 and 50 and is more common in women. Glomus tumors are usually small and can be tender to the touch or extremely painful.

• Warts. Most warts are harmless but can be rough, itchy, and may cause embarrassment.

• Dupuytren’s contracture. This is caused by thickened connective tissues and is typically the result of trauma or lacerations and is highly connected to genetic predisposition.

• Giant cell tumor. Giant cell hand tumors are the second most common type of hand mass. These solid masses may occur near a tendon sheath and are slow growing.

Could a Cyst or Tumor Be Cancerous?

Finding a lump or bump on your body is alarming, and most of us instantly wonder if it could be cancer. Fortunately, most masses on the hand are not cancer. Cancer in hand tissues is very rare. Certain cancers could affect the hand, such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or sarcomas of the bone or soft tissue, but these are extremely rare. A biopsy would be required to make this diagnosis. If you’re concerned about a mass and want to rule out cancer due to family history as the cause, it’s essential to see a doctor.

Evaluation and Treatment for Hand Cysts and Tumors

A doctor will perform a careful history and physical exam. This examination can help narrow down the types of tumors or cysts you may have. Imaging, such as an X-ray, may be ordered to help rule out soft tissue or bone involvement. Recommendations for treatment options will be based on your preferences and our hand surgeon’s diagnosis.

Sometimes cysts can be successfully treated by draining them, but not always. The most common method for treating a hand mass is surgically removing the tumor. This method usually offers the lowest recurrence rate and allows for the pathology of the cyst or tumor to determine what type it is. Procedures are typically performed during a short outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day and offering less downtime. If you have a hand cyst or tumor and are looking for specialist care, contact your doctor today.