Tumors & cysts in the hands and wrists

Cyst and tumor types, symptoms and options for removal

Any abnormal lump or bump in the hand or wrist is considered a tumor. The term “tumor” does not necessarily mean it is malignant or that it is a cancer. In fact, most hand and wrist tumors are benign (not cancer).

Tumors can occur on the skin, such as a mole or a wart, or underneath the skin in the soft tissue or even the bone. Because there are so many types of tissue in the hand (e.g. skin, fat, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, bone, etc.), there are many types of tumors that can occur. Only a few of them are seen commonly.

Common Types of Wrist & Hand Cysts & Tumors

• • Ganglion Cysts. This is the most common tumor in the hand and wrist. Ganglion cysts are seen frequently in the wrist but can occur at the base of the fingers or around the finger joints. The cyst is typically filled with fluid, and it will feel very firm. There are several treatment options for a ganglion cyst, including observation (doing nothing), aspiration (puncturing with a needle) or surgically removing it.

• • Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath. This is the second most common hand tumor. Unlike the fluid-filled ganglion cyst, these tumors are solid. They are benign (not cancer) and slow-growing.

• • Epidermal inclusion cyst. This tumor is benign and forms just underneath the skin where there may have been a cut or puncture. The cyst is filled with keratin, a soft, waxy material.

There are other less common types of tumors seen in the hand, including lipomas (fatty tumors), neuromas (nerve tumors), nerve sheath tumors, fibromas and glomus tumors, among others. Almost all are benign.

Other Causes of Lumps, Bumps and Masses

Foreign bodies, such as a splinter, can cause reactions that form bumps in the hand. Dupuytren’s Contracture may cause firm bumps in the hand, which are often confused with tumors. Finally, blood vessel growths can also be confused with other tumors.

What do the different types of hand tumors look like?