You rely on your fingers to write, type and much more. When you observe a bump on a finger -- particularly one that is painful -- you may be concerned it is a sign of a serious medical condition. Knowing what conditions can cause bumps on the finger joint can help you determine if you should seek medical treatment.
Types
A number of causes are related to bumps on the finger joint. One common and harmless cause is a ganglion cyst, which is a harmless, fluid-filled growth, according to MayoClinic.com. Inflammation from arthritis also can cause bumps on the finger to develop. If rheumatoid arthritis causes the bump, it is known as a Bouchard's node, according to eOrthopod. If osteoarthritis causes the bump, it is known as a Heberden's node. Gout --- a buildup of fluid --- also can cause a bump to develop on the finger, according to rheumatologist Dr. Nathan Wei.
Identification
When you experience a bump on the finger, your physician will take a medical history to inquire about symptoms related to the bump. Symptoms including pain, swelling and soreness can indicate the presence of arthritis, according to eOrthopod. If the cyst has not caused pain and is fluid-filled, this could indicate the presence of a ganglion cyst, according to MayoClinic.com. Gout typically occurs in middle-aged to elderly women and is characterized by a soft, tissue-filled bump on the finger.
Diagnosis
If your physician is unsure of the extent of the bump or its contents, several tests can diagnose the exact cause. One example is a needle aspiration, which involves the insertion of a needle into the bump to draw out tissue. This tissue is then examined under a microscope. An X-ray can determine if the joint is degenerated under the lump, which can indicate the presence of arthritis, according to eOrthopod.
Treatment
While a lump on the finger is chiefly a cosmetic concern and not a physical danger, the desire to remove the bump can be addressed through surgical or nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment includes a cortisone injection into the bump, according to eOrthopod. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that can help to reduce arthritis-related inflammation. A hand surgeon can surgically remove a ganglion cyst. General anesthesia typically is required for the procedure because of the delicate network of nerves and blood vessels in the hand, according to the Daily Mail. Bumps from gout or other medical conditions may be reduced with medications.
Warning
In rare instances, a bump on he hand can be because of a cancerous tumor on the hand. A tumor can begin as a tissue mass or as a fluid-filled sac known as a cyst, according to Mayo Clinic medical oncologist Dr. Timothy Moynihan. For this reason, it is important to seek a physician's opinion concerning bumps on the hand, particularly those that do not go away with time.
