Hand Tumors: Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment
A hand tumor, also referred to as a mass, is an abnormal lump or bump. Most hand tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. These tumors can occur on the skin, underneath the skin in the soft tissue, or even within the bone.
Common Types of Hand Tumors
Ganglion Cyst
- The most common hand tumor.
- A benign, fluid-filled sac that forms off a joint or tendon sheath.
- Usually occurs in the wrist but can develop around finger joints.
- Forms when a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath balloons out, filling with the fluid that lubricates the joint or tendon.
Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath
- A solid mass, unlike the fluid-filled ganglion cyst.
- Develops near a tendon sheath.
- Slow-growing and benign, it spreads through the soft tissue beneath the skin.
Epidermal Inclusion Cyst
- A benign tumor that forms beneath the skin.
- Occurs when skin cells, producing keratin, get trapped under the surface, forming a cyst as keratin and dead skin cells accumulate.
Other Benign Tumors
- Lipomas (fatty tumors), neuromas, nerve sheath tumors, fibromas, and glomus tumors are also common, though rarer.
Hand Cancer
Cancer in the hand is very rare. The most common cancers affecting the hand are skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Other rarer cancers may include sarcomas of the soft tissue or bone.
Evaluation and Treatment of Hand Tumors
- Physical Exam & Medical History: A hand doctor will begin by performing a thorough physical exam and evaluating your medical history to identify the tumor type.
- Imaging: X-rays may be taken if there is concern about bone involvement or to assess the soft tissue.
- Surgical Excision: This is the most common treatment for hand tumors, offering the lowest recurrence rate. The surgery removes the tumor and allows for a biopsy to determine its type. It is often performed on an outpatient basis without the need for general anesthesia.
- Aspiration or Injection for Ganglion Cysts: For ganglion cysts, a hand doctor may try to aspirate (drain) the cyst or inject it if the patient prefers to avoid surgery.
Living with Hand Tumors
If a tumor is benign and does not cause pain or discomfort, some patients may choose to do nothing and live with it. However, tumors can grow over time, and your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits of removal based on the tumor’s type and behavior.
In summary, most hand tumors are benign and treatable. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure the best outcome for your hand health.