Hand Doctors Explain Causes of Bumps on the Hands or Wrists
(Part 1)

Sudden or unexplained bumps on the hand or wrist can cause you to worry. But the good news is that these are typically fairly common and are almost always benign (non-cancerous) as well as easily treated by a hand doctor.

Sudden or unexplained bumps on the hand or wrist can cause you to worry. But the good news is that these are typically fairly common and are almost always benign (non-cancerous) as well as easily treated by a hand doctor.

Dr. Rehman is a board certified hand doctor who has diagnosed and treated hundreds of patients with “lumps and bumps” on their hands and wrists in the Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston and Waterford MI area.

In this two part article Doctor Rehman discusses some of the causes of bumps on the hands or wrists.

#1. Bumps on the Hands or Wrist: Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are the most common cause of a lump on the hand or wrist that hand doctors see. They are not cancerous and, in most cases they are quite harmless. Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled cysts that occur in various locations, but most frequently develop on the back of the wrist.

One way to identify a ganglion cysts is they can quickly appear, disappear, and change size. However, sometimes the cysts remain, and are unsightly or cause impaired function or pain in the hand or wrists.

Treatment for ganglion cysts is often non-invasive, and may involve the use of wrist splints to immobilize the hand, thus allowing the overworked area to rest. If the cyst is quite bothersome or painful, an aspiration (draining) procedure may be performed. In this procedure, the affected area is numbed and a needle is inserted into the fluid-filled cyst, withdrawing the fluid.

In rare cases, a surgical procedure may be required. In this case a board certified hand doctor like Dr. Rehman can perform a procedure to remove the ganglion and its root. This is typically an outpatient procedure, and the patient can go home later in the day.

#2. Bumps on the Hands or Wrist: Inclusion Cysts

Inclusion cysts (epidermoid cysts) are another cause of bumps on the hand. These are also benign (non-cancerous) and are caused by an injury to a hand or finger. Inclusion Cysts often develop years after the injury, so you may not relate the bump to the injury from long ago.

Inclusion cysts are caused when a deep wound, such as a cut, pushes surface cells into the deep layers of the hand or finger. These cells are then considered “foreign” by the body, and the immune system encapsulates them in a “lump” that gradually expands size over time.

A hand doctor can identify an inclusion cyst (epidermoid cyst). However, if it is not bothering you it may not need to be treated. In other cases where it is troublesome, Triamcinolone (a steroid) can be injected by your hand doctor.

In more severe cases, epidermoid cysts may be removed by a hand surgeon using a simple excision or incision with removal of the cyst and cyst wall.

CLICK HERE for Part 2 to See More Causes of Bumps on the Hand or Wrist 

Top Clarkston MI Wrist and Hand Doctor

If you are experiencing a lump or bump on your hand or wrist, there are a variety of causes. While most causes are very common and easily treated, a rare few can be more serious. For this reason it is important to be seen by a board certified hand surgeon like Doctor Rehman. She and her team of orthopedic experts will accurately diagnose your condition, and put together the best treatment plan to help you attain a full recovery.

As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like bumps or lumps on the hand or wrist.

Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.

Clarkston Area Wrist & Hand Doctor: 248.335.2638