Hand Tumors/Ganglion Cyst

Some of the most common problems seen by a hand and upper extremity surgeon are ganglion cysts. In fact, ganglions are the most common masses found in the hand, accounting for up to 70% of all tumors. These benign cysts can appear anywhere in the wrist, hand or fingers, but have specific sites where they are most common. Most people report that the cysts grow slowly – from months to years. Patients describe an aching pain, changes in the size of the mass, self-consciousness related to the lump, and a variety of other symptoms. These cysts are often very firm and feel ‘fixed’ to the deeper tissues in the hand or wrist.