Find Clarity and Peace of Mind for That New Lump or Swelling. 

Discovering a new lump or mass on your hand or wrist can be a worrying experience. We specialize in providing a swift, accurate diagnosis and meticulous surgical removal to give you the clear answers and the effective solution you need. 

You’ve Found a Lump. Let’s Find Out What It Is. 

It is very common to develop a lump, bump, or mass on the hand or wrist, and it’s completely natural to be concerned when you find one. The most important thing to know is that the vast majority of these masses are completely benign (non-cancerous) and harmless. However, getting a proper diagnosis from a specialist is the essential first step to ensuring your peace of mind and determining the best course of action. 

Understanding Your Condition 

Ganglion Cysts

• The most common mass found in the hand and wrist is a ganglion cyst. These are harmless, self-contained sacs filled with thick, jelly-like joint fluid. They are not cancerous and will not spread. They grow out of a joint capsule or a tendon sheath, appearing as a firm, smooth bump under the skin. While not dangerous, they can cause pain if they press on a nerve. The definitive treatment for a bothersome ganglion is surgical Ganglion Removal, where the cyst and its stalk are completely excised.  In the case of wrist ganglions, Dr. French removes these arthroscopically – a minimally invasive technique that not only reduces scarring but provides direct visualization of the origin of the ganglion from within the wrist.  Any causes for the ganglion can be seen and corrected at the same time to reduce the chances of recurrence. 

Other Benign Tumours

• Other types of benign (non-cancerous) tumours can also occur in the hand, such as giant cell tumours of the tendon sheath (the second most common hand mass) or lipomas (fatty tumours). Just like ganglion cysts, these are not dangerous. The standard treatment is a surgical Tumour Excision to remove the mass. It is important to know that malignant (cancerous) tumours of the hand are extremely rare. The goal of surgical excision is twofold: first, to completely remove the mass in order to minimize the risk of it coming back (recurrence); and second, to send the tissue to a lab for pathological analysis, which provides a 100% certain diagnosis. As a plastic surgeon with specialized training in the hand, Dr. French performs these excisions with meticulous technique. 

The First Step is Always a Definitive Diagnosis 

While online information can be helpful, it cannot replace a professional medical evaluation. Any new, changing, or painful lump should be assessed by a specialist. Through a careful physical examination, and sometimes with the help of imaging like an ultrasound or MRI, Dr. French can provide an accurate diagnosis. This is the most important step to confirm that the mass is benign and to create the right treatment plan for you.