A hand tumor is any abnormal growth of cells on or under the skin of the hand. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They most often manifest as a visible swelling or bump on the hand.
Boston Hand to Shoulder treats patients in Boston suffering from hand tumors with a variety of treatments, depending on the tumor’s type and size. If you believe you have a hand tumor, make an appointment with one of our hand specialists today.
Types of Hand Tumors
There are many different types of hand tumors, varying in size and severity. These include:
- Ganglion Cysts: These are the most common type of hand tumor. They usually appear near a joint or tendon, are fluid-filled, and firm to the touch.
- Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath: These are the second most common hand tumor. They are benign soft tissue tumors which develop within the tendon sheaths of the hand.
- Epidermal Inclusion Cysts: These are skin-colored, firm, painless cysts and are filled with keratin. They are thought to be caused by skin cells implanting in soft tissue after an injury.
- Lipoma: These are a common, often painless, benign soft tissue tumor made of fat cells.
- Glomus Tumors: These are relatively rare, benign tumors. They arise from the glomus body, a small structure which regulates blood flow and temperature in the hands.
- Pyogenic Granuloma: These are small, benign tumors that appear on the skin of the hand. They are usually characterized by rapid growth and a tendency to bleed easily.
- Melanoma: These are malignant skin tumors that often appear as a mole or dark stripe under the nail.
- Squamous Cell Cancer: These are malignant skin tumors which appear as scaly areas on the skin.
If you notice any abnormal growth on your hand, you should make an appointment immediately. Our hand specialists can easily determine which type of tumor you are experiencing.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination of the tumor. A specialist will examine the tumor's size, shape, location, and consistency. An imaging test, such as an X-ray, may be used to determine whether the tumor is fluid-filled, bony, cartilaginous, or made of soft tissue. In cases where the tumor is suspected of being malignant, a biopsy is likely to be performed. All of this will help the hand specialist to determine exactly what kind of tumor you are experiencing.
Symptoms of Tumor in Hand
The most obvious symptom of a hand tumor is a lump or bump in the vicinity of the hand or wrist. However, there are other symptoms which may be present. These include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Pain and tenderness, especially with movement
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- Loss of grip strength
Upon notice of any of the above, you should make an appointment with a hands specialist. Waiting can cause the tumor to grow, leading to more intense treatment and a longer recovery time.
Treatment
There are many different treatments available for hand tumors. These treatments include:
- Surgery: This is the most common treatment. It involves excising the tumor and possibly surrounding tissue.
- Aspiration: This is a common treatment for ganglion cysts and other fluid-filled tumors. It involves using a needle to drain the fluid.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These are used to reduce inflammation, shrinking the tumor and reducing pain. This can be used prior to removal of the tumor in order to make surgery easier.
- Radiation Therapy: Used only on malignant tumors when complete removal is not possible.
A hand specialist will be able to determine which of these treatments, or combination thereof, is right for you.
Recovery Time
Recovery time can vary widely, but will typically last no longer than 6 weeks. Recovery time will depend on the size, severity, and type of tumor as well as how well post-treatment instructions are followed.
Cancerous Hand Tumor
Cancerous hand tumors are treated quite differently than their non-cancerous counterparts. At Boston Hand to Shoulder, we are able to diagnose and, if possible, remove cancerous hand tumors. If it is determined that radiation treatment is necessary, we can provide a referral to a skilled and trusted oncologist or radiologist.