Wrist Bumps: Possible Causes and Treatments

I have a lump on my wrist joint?

Hello, doctor.
I have a lump on the back of my left hand near the joint, about the size of a one-dollar coin.
It protrudes when I bend my wrist and elbow at a 90-degree angle.
I only noticed it after July of this year, and there is no lump on the back of my right hand.
It does not hurt when pressed.
What could it possibly be?

Xinyi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/10/28

Dr. Lin Gengxiao reply Orthopedics

1.
Most soft tissue tumors in the wrist are benign, with malignant tumors being rare.
Ganglion cysts are relatively common but rarely cause serious complications.
Wrist ganglion cysts can occur at any age, with a higher prevalence in individuals aged 20 to 40, and they are more common in females than in males.

2.
Several commonly proposed causes of ganglion cysts include: the cyst being remnants of embryonic tissue, the cyst being an outpouching of the synovial sac, the cyst being a degenerative cyst, and the cyst resulting from a defect in the healing process after injury to the ligaments or joint capsule, leading to mucinous degeneration.
3.
Physicians often inform patients that the condition may arise from improper joint loading after an injury, resulting in a fluid-filled sac growing from the joint.
However, many patients do not have a specific injury history.
Regardless, the majority of wrist ganglion cysts present clinically as a painless mass, although some patients may experience pain, decreased grip strength, and abnormal sensations.
4.
Treatment options for wrist ganglion cysts include: observation without treatment, aspiration followed by injection of hyaluronic acid, aspiration followed by injection of a sclerosing agent, aspiration followed by injection of corticosteroids, open surgical excision, and arthroscopic excision.
Any of these methods may fail (recurrence), and if the patient seeks treatment due to pain, they often feel that the improvement in pain post-treatment is limited.
5.
The most commonly used methods are aspiration treatment and aspiration followed by corticosteroid injection.
Many individuals prefer to endure multiple needle procedures rather than have surgical scars on their hands; however, if the ganglion cyst compresses a nerve, causing pain or numbness, surgical excision should be considered.

Reply Date: 2004/10/28

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concern about the bump on your wrist. Based on your description, there are several possible causes for the bump you are experiencing on the back of your left hand, particularly near the wrist joint. Here are some common conditions that could explain the bump:
1. Ganglion Cyst: This is one of the most common causes of a bump in this area. Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often develop near joints or tendons. They can vary in size and may become more prominent when the wrist is bent. They are usually benign and may not cause pain, which aligns with your observation that pressing on it does not hurt.

2. Wrist Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues) can lead to swelling in the wrist area. This condition might not be painful unless there is significant inflammation.

3. Lipoma: This is a benign tumor made of fat tissue. Lipomas are usually soft to the touch and can be movable under the skin. They are generally painless and can occur anywhere on the body.

4. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist can sometimes cause swelling or lumps. This is often associated with repetitive use or strain.

5. Other Tumors or Growths: While less common, other types of benign or malignant tumors could also present as a bump. If the growth changes in size, shape, or becomes painful, it is essential to seek medical evaluation.

Given that you noticed this bump after July and that it is not painful, it is likely to be a benign condition, such as a ganglion cyst. However, it is crucial to monitor the bump for any changes. If it begins to cause discomfort, restricts movement, or changes in appearance, I recommend consulting a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

Treatment Options:
- Observation: If the bump is not causing any symptoms, it may be best to leave it alone and monitor it over time.

- Aspiration: If the bump is bothersome, a doctor may use a needle to drain the fluid from a ganglion cyst.

- Surgery: In cases where the cyst or bump is persistent or symptomatic, surgical removal may be considered.

- Physical Therapy: If there is associated discomfort or limited movement, physical therapy may help improve function and alleviate symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention:
- If the bump becomes painful or tender.

- If you notice changes in the size or shape of the bump.

- If you experience any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or wrist.

In conclusion, while the bump on your wrist is likely benign, it is always prudent to consult with a healthcare provider for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate management. They may perform a physical examination and possibly imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to better understand the nature of the bump. Take care, and I hope this information helps you!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Wrist Bumps: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: About a month ago, my mother (nearly fifty years old) suddenly developed a slight swelling on her left wrist. A few days ago, I noticed that pressing on it causes mild pain, and it has been growing larger. It is now approximately the size of a five-cent coin! When I...

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics
Most tumors that appear as swelling on the left wrist are ganglion cysts, often caused by overuse of the wrist. Surgical excision or aspiration of the contents followed by corticosteroid injection can be performed, but if wrist overuse continues, recurrence may occur.

Understanding Bumps on Your Wrist After Injury: Causes and Solutions

Hello, six months ago I injured my wrist and after receiving acupuncture from traditional Chinese medicine, the condition worsened. I then delayed for a month before seeing an orthopedic specialist twice. During the second visit, an injection was administered directly to the affe...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
First, it is important to determine whether the joint injury involves damage to the bone or if it is solely a ligament injury. If there is swelling or inflammation in the affected area, it is advisable to consult a physician. Rehabilitation therapy may be necessary.

Understanding Bumps on the Back of the Wrist: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a hard lump on the back of my wrist joint. It feels like a bone, and when I press down on the skin over my wrist, I can see the bump, but it is neither painful nor itchy. What could be the cause, and do I need to see a doctor?

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It is likely that the cyst on the dorsal side of the wrist is a ganglion cyst, which is a benign tumor in the hand containing a gelatinous, transparent substance. If it is not very large, it may not require treatment. However, if symptoms occur, it is advisable to consult a physi...

Understanding Wrist Bumps: Causes and Concerns for Labor Workers

Dr. Kuo: I apologize for bothering you, but I have a raised lump on my right wrist near a vein. It has been there for several years without any changes and is not painful. Since I work in a labor-intensive job that requires frequent lifting of heavy objects, I am unsure if this i...

Dr. Guo Mingxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiao Fen: Based on your description, it is likely a ganglion cyst, which may be caused by long-term use of the wrist. However, it is advisable for you to visit a surgical or orthopedic clinic for a final diagnosis and treatment by a specialist.