Ganglions, cysts, and other common hand lumps are noncancerous nodules that can form beneath the skin. They’re typically associated with joints or tendons in the hand.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of these lumps on the hand include:
- Visible lump, often round
- Discomfort or pain
- Tenderness
- Decrease in range of motion
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of these hand lumps typically involves:
- Physical Examination: The doctor will feel the lump and may shine a light through it to determine if it’s solid or filled with fluid.
- Imaging: X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be used to get a clearer picture of the lump.
- Aspiration or Biopsy: In some cases, the doctor may use a needle to draw out fluid or take a tissue sample from the lump for further testing.
Wrist Ganglions Images
Prevention
While there is no proven way to prevent these hand lumps, maintaining overall hand health and promptly addressing any hand injuries can be beneficial.
Treatment
Below are common treatment options:
- Observation: If the lump doesn’t cause discomfort, the doctor may recommend just monitoring it.
- Aspiration: In this procedure, a needle is used to draw out the fluid in the lump, causing it to shrink.
- Surgery: For persistent or painful lumps, surgical removal may be necessary.
- Non-surgical Procedures: Cysts can often be treated with non-surgical procedures such as immobilisation using splints or braces.