Hand tumors
Definition
A hand tumor is described as any lump or bump on your hand, regardless of what causes it. These tumors can occur on the skin like a mole or wart. They can be underneath the skin, in the soft tissue or even on the bone.
Alternative names
Ganglion cyst; Giant cell tumor; Epidermal inclusion cyst
Description
Hand tumors occur when a lump or bump starts growing on or under the skin of your hand, sometimes even on the bone. Most patients leave hand tumors alone if the tumors are not considered to be cancerous. However, if there is pain or tenderness, some patients look for ways to relieve the pain through hand surgery.
Hand tumors often encompass glomus tumor and wrist tumors.
The hand surgery entails making a small surgical excision and removing the tumor from the root, which is connected to either the joint or tendon. Usually, the patient takes four to six weeks to recover but it all depends on the patient鈥檚 movement post-surgery.
Symptoms
Signs of a hand tumor are pain or tenderness that increases with repeated use of the hand and limited range of motion. Most of these tumors can be cured through surgery, especially if there is no skin cancer found.
Some patients may choose to not do anything and live with the tumor if they learn it is not cancerous and is not causing any pain. However, there is a possibility that hand tumors may grow over time and become more inconvenient.
After the procedure
If the patient opts for a hand tumor surgery, the recovery process usually takes about four to six weeks. However, it really depends on the patient鈥檚 medical history, location and how severe the tumor is.
Risks
Some general surgery risks you may encounter are:
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Sensitivity around scar tissue
- Injuries surrounding tendons, nerves, and ligaments
Outlook (prognosis)
Although a patient might get surgery to remove a hand tumor, there is a high possibility that the tumor might come back. This is often because of an incomplete excision.
References
Lazerges C, Degeorge B, Coulet B, Chammas M, Diagnosis and treatment of hand tumors, Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research, Volume 108, Issue 1, Supplement, 2022, 103153, ISSN 1877-0568,
Mavrogenis AF, Panagopoulos GN, Angelini A, Lesensk媒 J, Vottis C, Megaloikonomos PD, Kokkalis ZT, Kontogeorgakos V, Ruggieri P, Papagelopoulos PJ. Tumors of the hand. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2017 Aug;27(6):747-762. doi: 10.1007/s00590-017-1984-y. Epub 2017 Jun 5. PMID: 28585186
Nahra ME, Bucchieri JS. Ganglion cysts and other tumor related conditions of the hand and wrist. Hand Clin. 2004 Aug;20(3):249-60, v. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2004.03.015. PMID: 15275684