Hand Doctors Explain Causes of Bumps on the Hands or Wrists
(Part 2)
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 hans 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. (CLICK HERE for Part 1 of this Article.)
#3. Bumps on the Hands or Wrist: Carpal Boss
While Carpal Boss is a strange sounding name, it simply refers to an overgrowth of bone on the back of the hand. It is similar in appearance to a bone spur.
The “lump” is actually caused by a small area of osteoarthritis occurring at where the long hand bones and small wrist bones meet. Carpal Boss bumps are frequently misdiagnosed as a ganglion cyst, so it is important to see a board certified hand doctor to diagnose the lump or bump on your hand or wrist.
A carpal boss will be firmer and fixed in its position, unlike a ganglion cyst which you can usually feel move “give” when you press on it.
#4. Bumps on the Hands or Wrist: Enchondroma
Enchondroma is a noncancerous type of tumor that develops when cartilage grows inside of a bone. Though usually benign, an enchondroma can become a problem if the tumor weakens the bone, increasing the risk of a fracture (broken bone).
While only around one percent of Enchondromas develop into cancer, it is important to visit a board certified hand doctor to rule out this unlikely possibility.
Enchondromas are most commonly treated by “curettage” in which a hand surgeon scrapes the tumor out of the bone. Once enchondromas are removed like this by your hand doctor, they usually will not return.
#5. Bumps on the Hands or Wrist: Sarcoma
Cancer very, very rarely originates on the hands or wrists – so there is no need to unduly worry if you have a bump or lump on your hand or wrist.
However, there are some very rare cases where sarcomas (tumors) have formed in the bone or cartilage of the hand. These cancers represent less than one percent of all solid tumor malignancies in adults – and only 10% of this 1% will occur in the bones of the hands or wrists. So the likelyhood of a sarcoma in the hand or wrist is a miniscule 1/10th of a percent.
It is not known what causes sarcoma, but family history and exposure to chemicals or radiation are believed to play a part. It is important to have this condition fully evaluated when there is a concern for a sarcoma. While extremely rare, a sarcoma on the hand or wrist needs to be treated immediately so that the canser does not spread.
Top Waterford Area 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.
