Ultrasound’s Role in Identifying Lumps on the Wrist and Hand
If you’ve found a lump on your wrist or hand, visiting a physician is essential. Early identification through a hand or wrist ultrasound, followed by appropriate treatment, offers the best chance of recovery, regardless of the lump’s nature.
What Conditions Could the Lumps on My Hand or Wrist Be?
In most cases, lumps in the hand and wrist are usually benign. Cancerous conditions, such as soft tissue, bone, or cartilage malignancies, are rare.
Let’s explore some of the most common issues that cause lumps in the wrist or hands.
Ganglion Cysts
Most wrist and hand lumps turn out to be benign ganglion cysts. Ganglion cysts develop when the lining inside your small joints forms a pouch, allowing fluids to leak inside. This situation can also occur in the sheath that covers your tendons or knuckle joints, resulting in a ‘mucous cyst’.
Giant Cell Tumors
Despite the intimidating name, giant cell tumors are benign growths that develop on your tendons’ sheath, lining, or the joint’s soft tissue. They are typically painful but easy to remove. Unfortunately, they often recur, so periodic check-ups are recommended.
Inclusion Cysts
Inclusion cysts form after a penetrating wound in a finger or hand. The force driving surface cells into deeper layers of your hand or finger causes these cells to grow inside the healed wound, leading to abnormal but benign growths.
Dupuytren Disease
Dupuytren disease stems from an imbalance in your body’s healing and scarring processes, causing firm, often painful nodules to form under or attached to your skin. Genetics play a role, so a family history of the condition warrants early checks during routine exams.
Carpal Boss
A carpal boss is a hard, bone-like lump that develops on your wrist, similar to a bone spur on your hand. It is a type of osteoarthritis that grows out of the bone on the back of your hand. Usually painless, some patients may experience pain while moving their affected wrist.
Enchondroma
An enchondroma is a benign tumor in the small bones of your hand. Although rare, enchondromas can become cancerous, so monitoring their development is essential. This condition can weaken bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
Lipomas
Lipomas are common benign tumors but relatively rare in the wrist or hand. These soft-tissue growths usually form on the palm, close to the thumb. They rarely cause pain but can impair movement and affect appearance.
Warts and Calluses
Warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are benign growths that can be treated with over-the-counter medications or may resolve on their own. Calluses result from repetitive friction or mild injuries and typically resolve without treatment.
Arthritis-Induced Hand and Wrist Abnormalities
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout can cause lumps, bumps, and swelling in the hands. Conditions like Heberden’s nodes, Bouchard’s nodes, and gout flare-ups can lead to swelling, pain, and loss of motion.
Vascular Conditions
Tumors can develop in blood vessels or the lymphatic system. Most are benign, but serious conditions like aneurysms, angiosarcomas, and lymphangiosarcomas require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger occurs when the tendon cannot glide through its sheath due to a node on the tendon, causing the finger to stick in a bent position. Risk factors include age, diabetes, low thyroid function, rheumatoid arthritis, and repetitive hand use. Treatment options include splints, steroid injections, or surgery.
Cancer in the Wrists or Hands
Although rare, cancers can occur in the wrists and hands, usually from metastasized cells. Common types include skin malignancies like squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Sarcomas, originating in cartilage or bones, also occur.
How Ultrasound Can Help
Ultrasound scans can detect various hand and wrist issues, providing detailed images for accurate diagnosis. Conditions that can be identified through ultrasound include:
- Joint, tendon, muscle, and ligament abnormalities
- Pain in the fingers, hands, or wrists
- Range of movement issues
- Inflammation and fluid build-up
- Tumors and other masses
What Happens During a Hand or Wrist Ultrasound Scan?
A wrist or hand ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure requiring minimal preparation. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt can protect your clothing from the gel applied to your skin. Remove any jewelry before the scan.
In the exam room, you will place your wrist or hand on the table. The specialist will apply a gel to aid the ultrasound probe in capturing clear images. The probe will then move over your hand or wrist, with images appearing on a screen, providing an accurate picture of your condition.
Conclusion
If you find a lump on your wrist or hand, seeking medical advice is crucial. Ultrasound is a reliable diagnostic tool that helps in early detection and treatment, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Contact Us
If you have any queries about our private ultrasound services, contact Phoenix Ultrasound. We offer comprehensive care and support for all your diagnostic needs.
Phoenix Ultrasound’s Branches:
- Central London Branch: 1 Portpool Lane, London, EC1N 7UU
- Surrey Branch: 63 Nork Way, Banstead, SM7 1HL
Phone: 0800 048-5738
WhatsApp: +44 7398 692092
Email: [email protected]