Hand Tumors Removal Surgery Specialist in Fort Myers, and Port Charlotte FL

Masses in the hand are abnormal (mostly benign) lumps or bumps that can occur on the skin (such as a mole or wart), in the soft tissue under the skin or even in the bone. Due to the many types of tissue in the hand (e.g. skin, fat, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, bone, etc.), many different types of masses can occur. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some examples of common hand masses are:

Warts – Warts are very common, non-cancerous, bumps on the skin caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and can spread easily. While mostly harmless, they can be embarrassing, rough to the touch, and sometimes very itchy. Treatments include using a pumice stone, freezing, applying tape over it and peeling it off, or using a chemical. Some warts can however turn into cancer ( squamous cell carcinoma). This is why it is important for a hand surgeon to evaluate it.

Ganglion cysts – These are very common non-cancerous masses in the hand. They vary in size and appearance depending on the individual. Some ganglion cysts may be soft, while others may be firm, and they can appear on the wrist or at the base of the finger. Ganglion cysts may or may not be painful. It is important to have your hand surgeon evaluate your cyst to determine the correct treatment.

Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath – This is the second most common tumor in the hands and wrists. They are usually solid and not filled with liquid, are slow growing and non-cancerous. More often than not, these tumors are removed as they can grow bigger overtime and have a higher rate of recurrence.

Epidermal inclusion cyst – These are non-cancerous and can sometimes appear where there was a previous cut or puncture. It is usually filled with a soft, waxy material called keratin. These are very simple to treat and can be easily removed in the office.

Dupuytren’s contracture, although not technically a tumor, is a condition that is commonly mistaken for one. It causes firm pits, bumps and cords in the palm of the hand that can make it difficult to completely flatten the hand.

If you have a lump or bump on your hand or wrist, visit your hand surgeon. Your surgeon will discuss non-surgical and surgical options with you and will decide on the best treatment plan.

Although finding a lump under your skin is alarming, most of the time they’re harmless. Cysts and tumors can be hard to tell apart as they are often found in the same places. There are distinctions between the two, however: a cyst is a small sac filled with fluid, while a tumor can usually be described as a solid mass. Both cysts and tumors can appear on the skin, or over tendons, nerves and/or bones.

Benign growths are extremely common, but unfortunately, when someone finds a lump or bump, their first thought is that it could be cancer. Benign tumors stay in their primary location without spreading to other parts of the body, have distinct borders and tend to grow slowly.

Typically, the most successful treatment is surgical removal of the tumor so that it can be analyzed to determine whether or not it is cancer. This is often done in the office or as an outpatient procedure.

If you or a loved one would like to know more about hand and wrist tumors, their causes and treatment, contact Florida Hand Center today!  We are an advanced medical facility dedicated to the treatment of hand and arm conditions with locations in Port Charlotte FL and Fort Myers FL and are proud to serve patients statewide. Call us or schedule an appointment today! We serve patients from Port Charlotte FL, Fort Myers FL, Punta Gorda FL, Cape Coral FL, Estero FL, Lake Suzy FL, Murdock FL, Harbour Heights FL, Charlotte Harbor FL, and Solana FL.