Bumps on the hands can be caused by several things. Although most are harmless, lumps on the hands can cause discomfort during activities, especially if they occur in the dominant hand.
The causes of lumps on the hands can vary, ranging from injury to infection. Most of the causes are harmless. However, there are some serious diseases that can also cause lumps on the hands and must be treated immediately to prevent dangerous complications.
Various Causes of Bumps on Hands
The following are some of the possible causes of lumps on the hands:
1. Ganglion cyst
The most common lump on the hand is a ganglion cyst. These cysts can form in joints or tendons. These cysts, which usually appear around the wrist, feel like rubbery jelly to the touch. Usually, ganglion cysts are painless unless the lump presses on a nearby nerve.
Although the exact cause is unknown, ganglion cysts are more common in women aged 20–40 years and in people who have arthritis or an injury.
In some cases, ganglion cysts may go away on their own. However, if the cyst is very bothersome, the doctor can treat it by sucking the fluid inside the cyst using a needle or performing surgical removal of the cyst.
2. Warts
If the lump on your hand looks like flesh growing, it could be a wart. The appearance of warts is generally caused by the HPV virus (human papillomavirus). Warts are usually small, rough in texture and have small black spots.
Usually, warts go away on their own. You can use topical medications that contain salicylic acid to speed up the healing process.
Consult a doctor if you experience warts that keep recurring, do not go away, are painful, or change shape. Your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the wart if medication doesn't work.
3. Dupuytren's contracture
Lumps on the hands can be a sign of Dupuytren's contracture. This condition begins with the appearance of a lump on the palm of the hand followed by a thickening of the elastic tissue underneath. This thickening causes the hand to become stiff and the fingers to bend toward the palm, especially the ring and little fingers.
The cause of Dupuytren's contracture is thought to be related to gene abnormalities. In addition, there are several factors that are thought to trigger this contracture, namely old age, smoking habits, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and diabetes.
Dupuytren's contracture is usually painless and does not require treatment. However, if the elastic tissue continues to thicken and is left unchecked, the patient will find it increasingly difficult to move his hand. If it is very disturbing, Dupuytren's contracture can be treated with surgery and medical rehabilitation.
4. Carpal boss
Boss carpal is a lump that usually appears on the back of the hand, around the wrist area. The lump is thought to have occurred as a result of an injury to the hand. In addition, physical activity that involves continuous wrist movement can also trigger boss carpals.
Most boss carpals do not require treatment, unless they are painful. Treatment includes administration of painkillers, such as ibuprofen, and corticosteroid injections. Surgical procedures may be recommended if the boss carpal lump is really bothersome.
5. Tumor on the hand
Lumps on the hands can also be caused by tumors, either skin tumors, muscle and bone tumors, or soft tissue tumors. Although not all are dangerous, tumors in the hands still require examination to anticipate the worst.
One of the benign tumors that can appear on the hand is a lipoma. Lipomas are lumps filled with fat that are soft, painless, supple, and often unobtrusive. In addition to the hands, these lumps can also appear in several parts of the body at once, such as the neck, chest, back, arms, thighs, and buttocks.
There are various causes of lumps on the hands. Generally, these lumps are harmless, but can make it difficult for you to do activities with your hands. Consult a doctor if you have a lump on your hand, especially if the lump grows rapidly, is painful, changes shape, or limits your activities of daily living.