What does a lump on the side of your wrist mean?

What does a lump on the side of your wrist mean?

What causes wrist lump? Wrist lump is often caused by an injury, such as blow to the wrist. It may also be related to conditions that cause swelling of the wrist, such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or gout. A benign growth or tumor may also be responsible for the lump.

What is the difference between a ganglion cyst and a synovial cyst?

Ganglion cysts arise from myxoid degeneration of the connective tissue of the joint capsule, are filled with viscoid fluid or gelatinous material, and have a fibrous lining. Synovial cysts also contain gelatinous fluid and are lined with cuboidal to somewhat flattened cells consistent with a synovial origin.

What is a volar ganglion cyst?

Volar ganglion cysts commonly occur near the radial artery in the wrist. They may occur after trauma to the wrist causing a small tear in the volar joint capsule. 1 Because of the tear, the joint fluid escapes and the body builds a small shell around the fluid, forming the ganglion cyst.

What does a ganglion cyst feel like to touch?

Ganglion cysts are usually oval or round and may be soft or firm. Cysts at the base of the finger on the palm side are typically very firm, pea-sized nodules that are tender to applied pressure, such as when gripping.

Is a ganglion cyst hard or soft?

Ganglia are usually (but not always) firm to the touch. Some people report that the fluid-filled cysts as soft. The lump likely moves easily under your skin.

How long does it take for ganglion cyst to go away?

Most ganglion cysts go away without treatment and some re-appear despite treatment. It may take a long time, up to 12 to 18 months, before it disappears. If it is not causing any pain, the health provider may recommend simply watching and waiting.

When should I worry about a ganglion cyst?

Don’t be overly concerned if you’ve been diagnosed with a ganglion cyst. This noncancerous growth develops on your wrist or finger and may look alarming, as it’s filled with a jelly-like fluid. The cyst isn’t threatening to your medical well-being, but can cause pain and affect your hand’s ability to function.

Can I remove a ganglion cyst myself?

Don’t try to pop the cyst yourself by puncturing it with a needle or cutting into it with a sharp tool. Not only is this unlikely to be effective, but can lead to infection or a risk of recurrence.

What kind of lump is on the back of your hand?

A ganglion cyst is a non-cancerous (benign) lump that occurs around joints. They commonly develop on the back of the wrist or on the hand, and are often round or oval-shaped.

What kind of injury can cause a lump on the wrist?

Possible wrist injuries include sprains, strains and fractures. Growths on the wrist can be benign, such as a cyst, or cancerous, such as a tumor. Treatment for wrist lump depends on the cause of the lump. If your wrist lump is not uncomfortable, it may not require treatment.

When to see a doctor about a lump on your hand?

Most of the time, lumps on your hand or wrist aren’t a cause for concern. But, in rare cases, they may be a sign of a more serious condition. It’s important to follow up with your doctor if you notice a lump that’s grown quickly, is painful, or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness or tingling.

What is a bone spur on the back of the hand?

Carpal boss is the overgrowth of bone on the back of the hand similar in appearance to a bone spur. It is essentially a small area of osteoarthritis occurring at the junction of the long hand bones and small wrist bones. While frequently misdiagnosed as a ganglion cyst, a carpal boss is invariably firmer and fixed in its position.