Surgery for Masses of the Hand in Puyallup, WA

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.