Hand lumps

What are hand lumps?

Hand lumps are abnormal growths or masses that can develop on or under the skin of the hand. These lumps can vary in size, shape, and consistency, and may be painless or painful to the touch. Some common types of hand lumps include:

Some common causes are mucous cysts, ganglion cysts, giant cell tumours of tendon sheath, while other causes include epidermal inclusion cysts, lipomas, glomus tumours, and nerve tumours.

Some of these names may sound confusing and worrisome, but most hand lumps are benign and not cancerous.

Do I need surgery for my hand lump?

While some hand lumps can be left alone, some lumps may get bigger and become more of a nuisance, eventually becoming difficult to remove.

You may be a good candidate for removal of hand lumps if:

Your hand lump causes problems during your day to day life, e.g. tenderness, reduced strength, hand stiffness.
Your hand lump looks abnormal, or it grows quickly, or you don’t like the appearance of it.
The cause of your hand lump is unknown, and removal is needed for accurate diagnosis.

What does surgery for my hand lump involve?

The specific details of surgery for your hand lump will depend on the size and location of the lump, as well as the underlying cause. In general however, surgery with Dr Colbert for hand lumps will usually involve the following steps:

Initial consultation: Dr Colbert will perform a careful assessment of your hand lump, and sometimes medical imaging may be needed to help plan treatment.
Anaesthesia: if surgery is required then some form of anaesthesia (local, sedation, or general) will be used to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
Incision: the size and location of the incision will depend on the size and location of the lump, but Dr Colbert will aim to make the incision as small and discreet as possible.
Removal of the lump: Dr Colbert will carefully remove the lump, taking care to preserve surrounding tissue.
Closure: Once the lump is removed, Dr Colbert will close the incision using sutures, and your wound is be covered with a sterile dressing and bandage.

What is the recovery after surgery for hand lumps?

The recovery from surgical removal of hand lumps can vary depending on the extent of the operation, however most patients will recovery relatively quickly without any significant problems.

Immediately after surgery: You will be monitored in a recovery room until you’re alert and comfortable, and will usually be discharged home on the same day.
The first few days after surgery: You may experience some pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hand. Pain medication and rest will help manage these symptoms.
One to two weeks after surgery: You will see Dr Colbert for a follow-up appointment, where the dressings will be changed and any sutures will be removed.
Two to four weeks: You will gradually begin using the affected hand, avoiding any vigorous activities. Hand therapy may be used to help improve your strength and range of motion.
Six weeks after surgery: You should be able to resume normal activities, guided by your limits of pain. If something hurts then you should stop doing it.
Returning to work depends on the extent of your operation and the nature of your job. People with office jobs can usually return within one to two days, while people performing more active work may need significantly more days.

What are the risks associated with surgery for my hand lump?

Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with surgery for hand lumps. While these risks are generally low, it is important to be aware of them before undergoing surgery. Some of the risks and complications that may occur include:

Infection: Any surgery carries a risk of infection, which can occur in the incision site or in the surrounding tissue. Antibiotics may be used to reduce the risk of infection.
Bleeding: Surgery can result in bleeding, either during or after the procedure. In rare cases additional surgery may be needed to control bleeding.
Nerve damage: Surgery can cause nerve damage, which may result in numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the hand.
Scar formation: All surgeries leave scars, which may be more or less noticeable depending on the location and size of the incision.
Recurrence: In some cases, hand lumps may recur after surgery, requiring additional treatment.
Pain and swelling: It is common to experience some pain and swelling after hand lump surgery. Pain medication and ice may be prescribed to manage these symptoms.
Allergic reactions: Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to anesthesia, medications, or other materials used during surgery.

Dr Colbert will discuss the risks and benefits of hand lump surgery with you before the procedure.

Dr Colbert will you determine whether surgery is the best course of action for your specific situation, and can provide guidance on how to minimise the risks associated with the procedure.

How much does hand lump surgery cost?

Costs associated with plastic surgery and hand surgery in Perth can be confusing.

To help make things clearer we have listed the the following fees that make up the final cost of hand surgery.

Surgical fee: the costs of hand surgery are mostly paid for by Medicare and your private health fund. Depending on the nature of your operation there will be some out of pocket expenses, sometimes known as a ‘gap’. Dr Colbert will discuss these costs with you during your consultation.
Anaesthetic fee: if you have your hand surgery under sedation or general anaesthesia, then the costs of anaesthesia are mostly paid for by Medicare and your private health fund. Depending on the nature of your operation there may be some out of pocket expenses.
Hospital fee (this includes operation room fee, bed costs, surgical or medication fees, and any other hospital extras): Medicare does not cover this fee. If you have private health insurance then this may be covered by your insurance fund, but you should check with your fund if there is any out of pocket expenses. If you have no private insurance then you will have to pay this fee on discharge from the hospital.

Where can I find out more?

To arrange to speak to Dr Colbert about carpal tunnel surgery please contact our friendly office staff.

Alternatively you can leave a message by filling out our contact form.