Skin tumours affecting hand

A vast array of tumours may occur in the hand. They range from ordinary skin cancers typical of those found elsewhere on the body to several tumours preferentially or exclusively occurring in the hand.

Most common malignant skin tumors in hand is squamous cell carcinoma. Back side of hand and forearm are commonly involved areas in the upper extremity. Treatment involves excision of the lesion and soft tissue coverage.

Basal cell carcinoma is the second most common skin tumour of hand.

A pyogenic granuloma is a harmless overgrowth of large numbers of tiny blood vessels on the skin. It carries no risk of cancer, is not contagious (cannot be spread to another person) and is not due to an infection.

The cause is unknown. Most pyogenic granulomas come up for no obvious reason, but some appear to follow minor damage to the skin, such as a cut that does not heal properly or a prick from a thorn. They pose no long-term risks. They can occur at any age but are most common in children and young adults. They are also more common in pregnancy.

No. There doesn’t appear to be an increased risk in other family members.

Pyogenic granuloma is often recognised as a red, rapidly-growing skin lump. Growth usually takes place over weeks to months and then stabilises, rarely getting bigger than 1 centimetre. People often worry that their rapid growth and bleeding mean that they are cancerous, even though they are not; however, you should always see your doctor if you have a rapidly growing skin lump.

Most pyogenic granulomas can be recognised by their appearance. Examination with a type of magnifying glass (dermatoscope) may also be helpful. If in doubt your doctor may remove it under local anaesthesia and send it to the laboratory for analysis.

Yes, by removing it or treating it with a cream.

There is a risk of up to 15% of the pyogenic granuloma coming back. In these cases, the area is sometimes cut out and the wound closed with stitches.