Is the Bump on My Hand Cancer? (Soft Tissue Sarcoma)
If you have a lump, bump or tumor on your hand, there are many causes – the vast majority of which are non-cancerous (benign). Although it is extremely rare, there is however a type of cancerous tumor called “soft tissue sarcoma” that can affect the hand.
According to the American Cancer Society soft tissue sarcomas only account for about 2% of all cancers in the U.S. These tumors can affect both men and women, and in some case children – but they are very rare.
What is Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand
A soft tissue sarcoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor growing in muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, fat, blood vessels, or lymph vessels. The most common areas to find soft tissue sarcoma are the arms and legs, the back of the abdomen, and the head or neck. However, because the hand contains many muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc. soft tissue sarcomas can sometimes – though rarely – be located on the hand.
Symptoms of Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand
Oftentimes, soft tissue sarcomas of the hand don’t show symptoms in the beginning, other than slow-growing, painless mass or “lump” on the hand. Eventually these tumors can become very large, and cause pain, numbness, burning or tingling in the hands (paresthesia).
Causes of Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand
As with most types of cancer, the exact cause of soft tissue sarcoma is not always fully understood. While researchers believe the cause of soft tissue sarcoma may include genetic and environmental factors, in many cases this type of cancer is thought to occur randomly, for no specific reason.
Some possible environmental factors that have been associated with soft tissue sarcomas include radiation therapy (usually for a different cancer elsewhere on the body), and exposure to certain chemicals including vinyl chloride, arsenic, and thorium dioxide. A potential risk factor for soft tissue sarcoma is prior damage to the lymphatic system due to long-term lymphedema (swelling of the lymph vessels due to accumulation of fluid).
Diagnosing Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand
Since there are many causes of lumps or bumps on the hand – most of which are NOT cancer – a biopsy is the only way to tell for sure if a mass or tumor on the hand is a sarcoma.
Dr. Rehman is an experienced hand surgeon who can examine your hand. In many cases she will be able to rule out a sarcoma during her exam. If Dr. Rehman feels there is a possibility of soft tissue sarcoma, she can perform a biopsy while you are at Macomb Hand Surgery in Shelby Township. This simple test involves examining a piece of tissue is taken from the tumor under a microscope.
Treatment for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand
In the unlikely event that your mass or lump is a soft tissue sarcoma, there are three very good treatments available: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Surgery for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand
Surgery remains the primary treatment for soft tissue sarcomas of the hand and typically involves wide local excision of the tumor. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the entire tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it, typically 1-2 cm when possible, to ensure all cancer cells are removed.
However, due to the complex anatomy of the hand and the need to preserve function, achieving wide margins can be challenging. In cases where the tumor involves critical structures such as tendons, nerves, or blood vessels, microsurgical techniques may be employed to reconstruct these structures after tumor removal.
Chemotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand
Chemotherapy plays a supportive role in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas of the hand and is typically reserved for specific situations. It may be administered before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it more operable, or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. The most commonly used chemotherapy drugs include doxorubicin and ifosfamide, often given in combination. The chemotherapy regimen usually consists of several cycles spread over 3-6 months, with regular monitoring of the patient’s response and side effects.
Radiation Therapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Hand
Radiation therapy is frequently used in conjunction with surgery to improve local control of soft tissue sarcomas in the hand. It can be delivered either before surgery (preoperative radiation) or after surgery (postoperative radiation). Modern radiation techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), help to precisely target the tumor area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This is particularly crucial in the hand, where too much radiation exposure can lead to stiffness, fibrosis, and compromised function if not carefully planned.
Is the Bump on My Hand a Sarcoma?
A bump or mass on the hand is a common concern that brings patients to Macomb Hand Surgery in Shelby Twp. But it’s important to understand that soft tissue sarcomas of the hand are extremely rare, accounting for less than 2% of all hand tumors. Most hand masses are benign conditions that, while they may require treatment, are not life-threatening.
More common causes of bumps on the hand include ganglion cysts (the most frequent type of hand mass), which appear as fluid-filled sacs often near joints or tendons; giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath, which present as firm, painless masses; lipomas, which are harmless fatty growths; and conditions like rheumatoid nodules, foreign body reactions, or infections. Other frequent causes include Dupuytren’s contracture, which can create nodules in the palm, and various inflammatory conditions that can create swelling or lumps.
Given the wide range of potential causes, it’s essential to have any new or growing hand mass evaluated by a qualified hand specialist like Dr. Uzma Rehman in Shelby Township. As a skilled hand surgeon, Dr. Rehman can perform a thorough examination, including detailed imaging studies when necessary, to determine the exact nature of the mass.
Through careful evaluation of factors such as the mass’s location, consistency, mobility, and relationship to other hand structures, along with the patient’s medical history and symptoms, she can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. While most hand masses can be managed with conservative treatment or minor procedures, having an expert evaluation ensures that any concerning findings are identified and addressed promptly.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas – Hand Doctor, Shelby Twp
If you have a lump or tumor on your hand it is very likely that it is NOT cancer. However, and bump or mass on the hand should be checked-out by an experienced and qualified hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman at Macomb Hand Surgery in Shelby Township. When treated early masses on the hand can almost always be remedied more quickly, with less invasive techniques and a great prognosis for full recovery.
But the longer you ignore any lump or other condition of the hand the worse it will become – and the risk of permanent impairment of the hand is greater.
