Tumors

Soft Tissue

Glomus Tumor
Glomus Tumors are growths that are most often found in the nail bed under the fingernails, although they can also exist in finger pads as well as on the palm, wrist and forearm. They normally appear as small dark red or blue lesions underneath fingernails and can cause cold-sensitivity, tenderness and, occasionally, burning pain. Although benign, Glomus Tumors are generally surgically removed.

Ganglion Cyst
Ganglion Cysts are fluid- or gelatin-filled bumps that most often appear on a damaged ligament or tendon of the wrist, although they can appear almost anywhere on the fingers, hands and wrists. They may occur in people who use their wrists in strenuous physical activities like gymnastics, tennis, golf or guitar- or bass-playing. Some ganglion cysts will go away or vary in size over time, causing nothing more than an unsightly lump. Troubling and painful cases may be treated with splinting, aspiration, cortisone injection and arthroscopic or mini-open surgery. Sometimes ganglion cysts are a sign of a more significant, underlying ligament or tendon injury, which requires attention.

Digital Mucous Cyst
Digital Mucous Cysts are synovial cysts that appear either on the top knuckle near the fingernail or adjacent to the cuticle. Usually caused by a near-lying arthritic joint and occurring most often on the middle or index finger of the dominant hand, these cysts are benign and vary in size over time. Persistent cysts that are painful, stretch the overlying skin excessively or cause nail deformities suggest the need for surgical removal and joint debridement.

Bone

Enchondroma
Enchondroma is a type of tumor (usually benign) that frequently grows in the small bones of the hand. Most often found in young people, enchondromas are painless and normally demand no treatment other than monitoring over time. Occasionally the tumor-weakened bone may fracture. Splinting and surgical removal of the lesion may be necessary. Enlargement or pain warrants a physician’s evaluation.

Osteochondroma
Osteochondroma is usually a non-cancerous bone tumor that begins before growth stops in adulthood. Most commonly identified by a painless bump located at the ends of the long bones of the arm, this kind of tumor is not removed surgically unless it causes pain, stiffness, tingling or rubbing of a nearby tendon. Enlargement or pain warrants a physician’s evaluation.