Differential Diagnosis for a Bump on the Wrist

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Ganglion Cyst: This is the most common lump found on the wrist. It is a benign, fluid-filled sac that can occur on various parts of the wrist, often related to joint or tendon irritation.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Wart or Other Skin Lesions: Warts, moles, or other skin growths can appear as bumps on the wrist. Their appearance and location can help differentiate them from other conditions.
• Cyst or Abscess: Infectious or non-infectious cysts and abscesses can form on the wrist, often presenting as painful bumps.
• Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat tissue, which can appear as a soft, movable bump under the skin of the wrist.
• Osteochondroma: A type of benign bone tumor that can cause a bony bump, especially if it occurs near the wrist joint.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Infectious Process (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscess): While not the most common, an infectious process can quickly become serious if not treated promptly. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, swelling, and increased pain.
• Malignant Tumor (e.g., Sarcoma): Although rare, a bump on the wrist could potentially be a sign of a malignant tumor. A thorough examination and possibly a biopsy are necessary to rule out cancer.
• Gout or Pseudogout: These conditions can cause sudden, severe joint pain and swelling, which might be mistaken for a bump. They are more common in certain joints but can occur in the wrist.

Rare Diagnoses

• Glomus Tumor: A rare, benign tumor of the glomus body, usually found under the fingernail but can occur elsewhere, including the wrist, causing a painful bump.
• Foreign Body Reaction: If a foreign object (like a splinter) penetrates the skin and is not fully removed, it can cause a chronic inflammatory reaction, leading to a bump.
• Neurofibroma: A benign nerve sheath tumor that can cause a bump, often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder.

Each of these diagnoses has distinct characteristics and may require different approaches for diagnosis and treatment. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies or biopsies are essential for an accurate diagnosis.