Hand and Wrist Cysts, Masses and Tumors

Lumps and bumps on the hand, wrist, or forearm can cause significant anxiety, but are rarely anything too serious. Benign cysts and masses are actually very common in the hand and wrist, and often don’t cause significant problems. However, they can sometimes cause pain or limit function. Tumors are just abnormal tissue growths, and most are benign. Malignant or cancerous tumors of the hand, wrist, or forearm are exceedingly uncommon, but we recommend you get any new lump or bump checked out.

Common benign cysts and masses by location

Is there a test for masses, cysts and tumors?

Your symptoms and medical history as well as an examination of your hand and wrist can help diagnose the mass or cyst. Sometimes we recommend x-rays or an MRI. 

When should you be more concerned about lumps and bumps?

You should get all new or changing lumps and bumps checked out. Even benign ones can cause pain or limit function and may benefit from simple treatments. Severe pain, rapid growth and skin ulcerations require urgent medical care.

Treatment

We can determine treatment options based on the type and location of the cyst or mass, and whether it causes symptoms.

Nonoperative: Treatment for simple cysts or masses can involve observation if they are not painful, limiting function, or growing. We can often drain some fluid-filled cysts, like wrist ganglion cysts, in the office.

Operative: We can often surgically remove painful cysts or masses, especially those that limit function, or show concerning features like rapid growth, and send the biopsy tissue to the lab for identification.

Ready to confirm a diagnosis and fix the problem, or just want to learn more?

Our board-certified orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons, Eric Angermeier, MD and Kyle Kokko, MD, PhD, are here to help! They can often diagnose the problem in one visit, and get you started with a treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of both nonoperative and operative treatment options.

Call today for a clinic or telehealth appointment! 854-429-4263