Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Bump, Bruise In Hand, Feels Tight. What Do The Symptoms Indicate?
Posted on
Wed, 3 Apr 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 3 Apr 2013
Answered on
Wed, 24 Apr 2013
Last reviewed on
Question : I had a bump (presumed ganglion cyst) appear on the back of my hand 6 days ago. No trauma, except shaking hands in church. It began to bruise around the cyst and bruising has continued to spread out about 1 - 1.5" surrounding the bump. It is sore to touch and has felt 'tight' and somewhat painful with use of the hand. It is located just above the carpal bones, 'behind' the thumb. Any cause for concern?
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From the symptoms it looks like ganglion cyst only. A ganglion cyst is a swelling that often appears on or around joints and tendons in the hand.Mostly they are asymptomatic but if they press on the underlying nerves then they can cause pain. There can be pain that gets worse with activity or pressure.
Hence it has to be removed by aspiration with or without an injection of cortisone medication. Occasionally, the entire ganglion is resected with surgery. For this you need to consult a surgeon.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Thanks for posting your query.
From the symptoms it looks like ganglion cyst only. A ganglion cyst is a swelling that often appears on or around joints and tendons in the hand.Mostly they are asymptomatic but if they press on the underlying nerves then they can cause pain. There can be pain that gets worse with activity or pressure.
Hence it has to be removed by aspiration with or without an injection of cortisone medication. Occasionally, the entire ganglion is resected with surgery. For this you need to consult a surgeon.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I was wondering why the bruising and isn't this unusual? The bump itself is sensitive to touch, which I suppose can be attributed to touching the underlying nerves?
Hello,
Thanks for writing back to me.
The bruising can be due to trauma to surrounding tissue or a hematoma formation close to the cyst. Apply warm compresses and take some anti inflammatory pain killer like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac.
If the cyst regresses in size then there is nothing to worry. But if the symptoms persist then it may need aspiration.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Thanks for writing back to me.
The bruising can be due to trauma to surrounding tissue or a hematoma formation close to the cyst. Apply warm compresses and take some anti inflammatory pain killer like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac.
If the cyst regresses in size then there is nothing to worry. But if the symptoms persist then it may need aspiration.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
