Differential Diagnosis for a Knot on the Wrist
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Ganglion cyst: This is the most common cause of a lump or knot on the wrist, resulting from a benign cystic lesion that arises from the joint or tendon sheath.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lipoma: A benign fatty tumor that can occur anywhere on the body, including the wrist.
- Rheumatoid nodule: Associated with rheumatoid arthritis, these nodules can form on the wrists and are a sign of chronic inflammation.
- Tendon or ligament injury: Trauma to the wrist can cause swelling or a palpable knot due to injury of the tendons or ligaments.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Infection (e.g., abscess or cellulitis): Although less common, an infectious process can cause a knot or swelling on the wrist and requires prompt treatment to avoid serious complications.
- Malignant tumor (e.g., sarcoma): Although rare, a knot on the wrist could be a sign of a malignant tumor, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation.
- Gout or pseudogout: These conditions can cause sudden, severe swelling and may present with a knot-like appearance on the wrist.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath: A rare, benign tumor that can occur on the wrist.
- Osteochondroma: A type of benign bone tumor that can cause a palpable knot or bump near the wrist joint.
- Neurofibroma: A benign nerve sheath tumor that can occur on the wrist, more commonly seen in patients with neurofibromatosis.