A NOTE FROM DR. ALTMAN

How often do we notice a new lump or bump on the back of our wrist, in our palm, on our finger, over the top of our shoulder or on the back of our elbow? These lumps can be painless, or they may give rise to some discomfort. The vast majority of the time they are benign. Cancers rarely occur in the in the hand or arm, although they certainly can.

These lumps are often cysts such as ganglions, which are fluid filled masses arising from an adjacent joint. Around the tips of the fingers these ganglions are called mucous cysts and are often due to some underlying arthritis affecting the joint. A ganglion occurring on the back of the wrist, is usually simply a weakness in the lining of the wrist joint and is easily treated.

Arthritis may also cause bumps adjacent to joints. As the cartilage in our joints breaks down, our bodies attempt to repair it but cannot. This failed attempt results in the formation of new bone around the perimeter of joints causing “bone spurs” or osteophytes. These osteophytes give the appearance of a hard lump or bump.

Area of inflammation such as an inflamed bursa on the back of the elbow can be the cause of a large mass. Minor traumas can also cause swollen and enlarged bursae.

Many individuals develop benign fatty growths which can occur anywhere in our body and are called lipomas. These are also perfectly benign, though nevertheless should be evaluated.

Any newly discovered lump or bump of the hand and upper extremity should be evaluated by a specialist. If the diagnosis is not certain, either removal or a biopsy may be the best course of action.

OTHER COMMON SYMPTOMS