What Does A Lump Above The Wrist Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 25 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 Answered on

Sat, 12 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was just recently diagnosed with Sjogren's. It has taken some time to get a diagnosis. I have had dry eyes, mouth, throat issues of (hoarseness, choking on food, difficulty at times swallowing pills, etc.) ear pulsation sounds in left ear to the beat of my heart and at times ear pain, fatigue, weakness which only is relieved by resting, joint pain which in the last 4 months has been severe, wrist pain in both arms but EMG indicates little results for Carpel Tunnel although I have had this problem before and now I have developed in the palm of my right hand about 2" above the wrist a lump which pulsates. If I flex my thumb out to the right (palm up position) there is a pulling sensation. What could this be? It started out softer but is now firmer that it was. I would say its about the size of a dime. I don't know if its related in any way to Sjogrens.
Thank you for any help you can provide.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
?? Ganglion cyst or contracture

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and shall surely help you as much as possible.

The presentation described by you could be a ganglion cyst which is usually found adjacent to a joint capsule or a tendon sheath. This is commonly seen in individuals above the age of 50 years.

Although I cannot confirm the same, as it can be done only by an elaborate physical examination which I would recommend. Also common are contractures (eg. Dupuytren's) which occur due to reduced activity of the muscles in the region.

Treatment usually includes non-operative aspiration or surgical excision, if it is confirmed to be a ganglion cyst. I also doubt its association with Sjorgen's ma'am.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar