Visible lump or swelling that may be soft, firm, or hard
Pain or tenderness with movement or pressure
Limited range of motion in fingers or wrist
Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
Hand & Wrist Masses: Expert Evaluation & Treatment
Noticed a lump, bump, or growth on your hand or wrist? Most masses are benign, but proper evaluation is important for peace of mind and appropriate treatment. Dr. Jesse Dashe offers expert diagnosis and treatment in San Leandro — same- or next-day.
Do these symptoms fit you?
When to see a surgeon
Any new or changing mass in the hand or wrist
If you want a clear diagnosis and reassurance
If the mass causes pain, weakness, or limits movement
What Dr. Dashe does differently
Fast access — same-day reassurance and diagnosis
Direct surgeon evaluation — confirm what type of mass and rule out serious conditions
Tailored care — from observation to surgery, based on your goals
Treatment options
Observation
Benign masses can be monitored safely
Aspiration/Injection
Draining fluid-filled masses or steroid injections
Surgical removal
Precise excision with microsurgical techniques
Recovery timeline
Aspiration/injection: return to activity the same day
Surgery: splint for 1–2 weeks, full use in 4–6 weeks
What to bring
Insurance card and medication list
Notes on how long the mass has been present
Any prior imaging or evaluations
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hand and wrist lumps usually cancerous?
No, the vast majority of hand and wrist masses are benign (non-cancerous). Ganglion cysts, lipomas, and giant cell tumors are common benign growths. However, any new lump should be evaluated to determine its exact nature.
When should I be concerned about a lump on my hand?
See a hand surgeon if the lump is growing, painful, firm and fixed to underlying structures, or if it's interfering with hand function. While most are benign, proper evaluation is important for peace of mind and appropriate treatment.
How are hand masses diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and medical history. Imaging studies like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be ordered. In some cases, a biopsy or surgical removal with pathology examination may be needed for definitive diagnosis.
Do all hand lumps need to be removed?
Not all lumps require removal. If the mass is clearly benign, not painful, and not interfering with function, observation may be appropriate. Removal is recommended for painful masses, those limiting function, growing masses, or when diagnosis is uncertain.
What is the recovery like after hand mass removal?
Recovery varies by location and size. Most small mass excisions are outpatient procedures with 1-2 weeks for wound healing and 2-4 weeks for return to normal activities. Larger or deeper masses may require longer recovery and hand therapy.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Don't wait weeks to see a specialist.