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Molly Maloof, MD

Director of Clinical Content
@DoctorBase

Tumor

I have a tumor in my back that I was told is not cacnerous so no need to get removed except if gets more painful and/or for cosmetic reasons (there is a lump). Well it is now starting to be painful even when sleeping. I also noticed in my writ area of my left hand there is a lump of some kind. I was sent to a surgeon from my regular doctor, but I did not feel comfortable with him so I am trying to find a surgeon on my own, but I am not sure what kind of doctor I should be looking for.
Poster
  • Female | 48 years old
  • Medications: none
  • Conditions: none

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Featured Answer

1 UpVoted this answer Ray Sheppard Jr., MD General Surgeon, Huntsville
Hello "Tumor",

Since common things are common!... As others have stated, it sure sounds like you have a lipoma on your back and a ganglion or synovial cyst of your wrist. These are both benign and only require attention to confirm the diagnoses. A general surgeon is your best bet for the mass on your back, if it is becoming painful, I would recommend it be removed for your peace of mind and so that a pathologist can look at it thoroughly under a microscope. A good reference from the AAOS: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00631.

With regards to the wrist, it is likely a ganglion (don't let the name fool you it is a cyst of the wrist joint, not of the nerves!, from my website: http://thehanddoctor.com/conditions/masses-lumps-san-diego-ca/ganglion-cyst-san-diego-ca/ and http://thehanddoctor.com/conditions/masses-lumps-san-diego-ca/ ) and as others have stated it should be evaluated by a hand specialist to confirm it is a cyst. Rest assured however that any non-cyst masses are virtually 100% benign. Nevertheless an evaluation, removal of the fluid and sometimes surgery is needed.

Kind Regards, Greg Balourdas, MD
1 UpVoted this answer
Dear "Tumor":

Most growths are benign but when a tumor grows, I become concerned. It sounds from your description that there are 2 tumors, one on the back and one on the wrist.

I recommend you obtain a consultation from a Board Certified General Surgeon. He will review your medical, surgical and social history in addition to a proper examination to assist in determining what these tumors may be. He will offer diagnostic options and ultimately consider your treatment options whether they are observation, biopsy, surgical removal or referral for more expert opinion.

I wish you well. Sincerely, Dean Kane, MD, FACS
1 UpVoted this answer
Consider a general surgeon and if involves the spine, then a neurosurgeon.

Warm regards
Chaim Colen
You need to see someone who can treat all your problems. A plastic surgeon experienced in hand surgery is probably your best bet. The wrist mass is probably a ganglion. The back mass, because it is painful, could also be a ganglion. Most other benign masses are not painful, but some become so simply because of their location. Because of the pain, however, this needs to be evaluated and, probably, removed.
Most general surgeons can handle both of your complaints. If either or both bother you you should be evaluated.
Katherine Sahm MD, FACS
Many excellent responses have already been posted. I do recommend excision of enlarging masses of the back due to the occasional, but thankfully rare, sarcoma. Because so many of these masses are completely benign, many sarcomas have been mistakingly labeled "lipomas." Consequently, diagnosis of sarcoma is frequently delayed. I wish I could say that I have never encountered this predicament. If your mass is greater than 4 cm, pre-excision core biopsy should be strongly considered, BUT A REASSURING BIOSPY REPORT SHOULD NOT PREVENT COMPLETE EXCISION. I have first hand experience with a deep sarcoma and a false-negative pre-excision core biopsy.

Your wrist lesion should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon and is likely a ganglion cyst.
The lump on the hand sounds like a ganglion cyst. A board certified hand surgeon should be able to evaluate and treat this problem. Usually an injection will resolve the problem. If that fails surgical removal of the cyst may be needed.

In regard to the lump on the back, this is likely a lipoma. A plastic surgeon should be able to take care of this problem and leave as small of a scar as possible.
A plastic surgeon should be able to treat this
John M. Thomassen
It seems like you have a lipoma of your lower back & a ganglion cyst of your wrist. I would recommend a cortisone injection of the ganglion cyst with aspiration. If it returns ,I would have it surgically removed. Anti inflammatory meds oral & topical for the lipoma & if no improvement would also recommend surgical excision. Both are benign so don't worry. Let your symptoms dictate your treatment.
Steven M. Stoller
The lump in your back should definitely be addressed whether it is benign or malignant. There is no reason to leave a lump that obviously causes you discomfort and there is no way to truly assess pathology until it is examined. The back lesion can be addressed by a general surgeon or a plastic surgeon or an ENT surgeon. The wrist lesion is best handled by a plastic or hand surgeon