Understanding Hand Masses
Masses of the hand can take many forms, ranging from harmless cysts to more serious growths such as nerve tumors or skin cancers. These masses may appear gradually or suddenly and can cause pain, limit hand movement, or simply raise concern due to their appearance.
Whether it’s a ganglion cyst, lipoma, or another soft tissue mass, Dr. Iyengar offers expert evaluation and precise surgical removal — always prioritizing function and a smooth recovery. Common types of hand masses include:
- Ganglion cysts
- Epidermal inclusion cysts
- Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath
- Nerve sheath tumors (like schwannomas or neurofibromas)
- Skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma
Regardless of the cause, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine the nature of the mass and whether surgical excision is appropriate.
When should I consider treatment?
If you’ve noticed a new lump in your hand or wrist, especially if it’s growing, painful, restricting movement, or causing numbness or tingling, it’s time to seek medical evaluation. Even if the mass is painless, patients often opt for removal due to discomfort, concern, or cosmetic reasons.
Early treatment may prevent complications—especially in cases where a mass is pressing on nerves or tendons, or when there is concern for malignancy.
What are my treatment options?
Surgical removal, or excision, is the most common treatment for hand masses. Dr. Iyengar performs this procedure with precision, taking care to protect nearby nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. The type and location of the mass determine the surgical approach:
- Ganglion cysts are typically removed through a small incision over the wrist or finger joint
- Deeper masses, such as nerve sheath tumors, may require more delicate dissection
- Suspicious skin lesions are excised with appropriate margins and sent for pathology
Tissue is almost always sent to pathology for a definitive diagnosis, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Why choose Dr. Iyengar for hand mass excision?
Dr. Iyengar’s fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery gives him a unique advantage in treating both common and complex hand conditions. His careful technique ensures safe removal with attention to both function and aesthetics—critical in a part of the body as visible and essential as the hand.
What does recovery look like?
Most hand mass excisions are performed as outpatient procedures with local anesthesia or light sedation. Patients typically resume light use of the hand within a few days, with full recovery in 1–2 weeks depending on the size and depth of the mass.
Follow-up includes wound care, possible splinting, and pathology review. Once healed, most patients have minimal to no scarring and restored comfort and confidence.
Check out how our patients looked before and after.
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Michael W
Dr Iyengar did a repair on an old eyelid surgery. Him and his staff were a pleasure to work with and I could not be happier with the results!
Laurie A.
Dr. Raj Iyengar is awesome!!! I had 3 areas of botox today (glabella, crow's feet, and forehead). I had absolutely no pain and zero bruising. He was very informative throughout the procedure, and very kind. A great experience
Christina R.
I am 6 days post brow lift, blephraplasty, nanofat transfer, and neck lipo with Renuvion, and I already see a significant difference. I am SO excited already, and I’m still healing. Dr Iyengar has an incredible bed side manner, remembers little details about his patients, and has an impeccable résumé. I made the right choice trusting him with my face!
Ron L.
I’m glad to have this doctor and his staff on my side. When I heard the words skin cancer I went through a WIDE verity of feelings. I got worse case scenario and it scared me. After some reassurance I felt much better. I’m amazed at the complexity of the surgery and how well everything went. Just 6 weeks after surgery I’m feeling much better about the future look that everyone will see when they see my smiling face. Thanks Dr. Iyengar. I’ll share photos with anyone interested.
Jenny M.
I’m incredibly grateful that I was referred to Dr. Iyengar for my breast reconstruction surgery. From the very first consultation, he has been an absolute blessing throughout the entire process. His kindness, super friendliness (a rare trait), helpfulness, caring nature, and outstanding service are truly remarkable. Additionally, his extensive knowledge and confident responses to my questions, along with his ability to treat me with personable care, make him an exceptional surgeon.
Quality care in all realms of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
We see our patients as individuals, not just cases on the schedule. Dr. Iyengar makes every effort to get to know his patients personally and thoroughly understand their goals. This personalized approach ensures that every patient receives the highest quality care and achieves the results of their dreams! Dr. Iyengar executes every procedure with precision, integrity and utmost care.
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