Tumors of the Hand & Wrist Overview
Dr. Michael K. Kim can treat a variety of different types of tumors that can affect your hand, wrist, or finger, such as ganglion cysts, Dupuytren's contracture, and cancer. 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 wrist and hand 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 Hand and Wrist Tumors
Other less common BUT Benign types of Tumors seen in the Hand are:
- Lipomas (Fatty tumors)
- Neuromas (Nerve tumors)
- Nerve Sheath Tumors
- Fibromas
- Glomus Tumors
Finally, some causes of Lumps, Bumps and Masses on the Hand can be Confused as BUT NOT Tumors:
- Foreign Bodies such as Splinters can cause a reaction
- Dupuytren’s Contracture can present as a hard lump
- Blood vessel growths can be confused as a tumor
Dr. Kim is one of the few Board-Certified Hand Surgeons in the area. In addition to doing 5 years of general surgery, 2 years of plastic surgery training, and a year of research in wound healing, he also completed a 1-year hand surgical fellowship at the famous Kutz-Kleinert hand institute in Louisville, KY. Dr. Kim participated in the first US hand transplant in 1999. Dr. Kim has passed the intensive examinations to obtain (CAQH) board certification in hand surgery. He is also a member of the ASSH (American Society of Surgery of the Hand). He performs many of his hand surgeries with WALANT (wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet) which makes the procedure and recovery fast and comfortable.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A physical exam and review of your medical history by a hand surgeon can help to determine the type of wrist or hand tumor you may have.
X-rays might be taken to evaluate the bones, joints and possibly the soft tissue. Further studies such as ultrasound, CT, MRI or bone scans may be done to help narrow down the diagnosis. Needle biopsy or incisional biopsy (cutting out a small sample of the tumor) may be considered if the surgeon wants to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment.
Typically, the most successful treatment is simply removing the tumor with surgery. This allows a pathologist to analyze it and to determine the type of tumor. Often, surgery is done on an outpatient basis.
Some patients may choose to do nothing and simply live with the tumor once they learn that it is non-cancerous. However, if the tumor changes (e.g. skin discoloration, pain, increased size) or if it causes other problems such as numbness or pain from pressure on a nearby nerve, then re-evaluation by a hand surgeon is recommended. You and your hand surgeon can choose the best treatment plan.
