Experiencing a Painful Bump on My Palm?
Background Information: I am a 23-year-old individual assigned female at birth, transitioning to male. My height is 5'4" with a current weight of 220 lbs. I've been on testosterone for approximately five and a half years. My medication regimen includes: - Morning: Clonazepam (1mg), Minoxidil (2.5mg), Ritalin (36mg) - Afternoon: Clonazepam (1mg) - Evening: Guanfacine (1mg & 2mg), Haloperidol (3mg), Gabapentin (600mg), Trazodone (150mg) - Weekly: Testosterone cypionate (0.5mL of 200mg/mL) I'm generally healthy, but I suspect underlying chronic conditions as I experience severe fatigue, ongoing pain, mild heart complications, and frequent vomiting, all of which have persisted for five years without a formal diagnosis. Hello to everyone! About one and a half to two weeks ago, I discovered a small, painful lump located beneath the knuckle joint on the palm side of my hand. It is slightly larger than the tip of a pencil but smaller than a pea—difficult to describe accurately. Since I first noticed it, it has approximately doubled in size. While it isn’t painful unless I touch it, using my hand for activities such as driving, lighting a lighter, or sweeping causes discomfort. There is no visible mark on the skin, although stretching my fingers backward reveals a tiny white spot at the site of the lump. I'll share pictures in the comments, including one marked with a red dot indicating its location and size. I’m seeking advice on whether I should consult a physician regarding this issue. Financial constraints make me hesitant to seek medical attention unless absolutely necessary. However, because the lump is not improving and seems to be increasing in size and discomfort, I am beginning to worry that it won’t resolve on its own. Any assistance or guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 10:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns about the painful bump on your palm. It sounds like you’re experiencing a growth that is increasing in size and causing discomfort, which is understandably worrisome.
Main Points:
- The lump you described may be a ganglion cyst, a tendon cyst, or another type of growth. Increased size and discomfort warrant further attention.
- Given your symptoms and the lack of improvement, it is important to monitor your condition closely and consider seeing a healthcare professional.
Explanation:
A bump on the hand, particularly near a joint, could be due to several benign causes, such as a ganglion cyst, which is filled with fluid and often occurs near joints or tendons. These are typically not harmful but can cause pain or discomfort depending on their location and size. It’s concerning that it's doubled in size and is causing you trouble during daily activities, which indicates that it may need further evaluation.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the bump, such as size, shape, or additional symptoms like increased pain or swelling. Note if there are any changes with activities that might aggravate it.
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Pain Management: Consider using over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) if you haven’t already and if you can tolerate it. This may help manage discomfort, especially during activities that trigger pain.
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Limit Stress on the Area: Try to minimize any activities that aggravate the lump. Use your other hand when possible for tasks that require grip or strength.
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Consider a Physician Consultation: Although financial concerns are valid, persistent or worsening symptoms often necessitate a medical evaluation to rule out any serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment. Discussing sliding scale fees or community clinics that may offer lower-cost options can be beneficial.
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Check for Underlying Issues: Given your ongoing symptoms like severe fatigue and other health issues, a comprehensive evaluation might be important. Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms could provide useful information for any future healthcare visit.
If the lump begins to impact your daily function more significantly or if you change your mind about seeking a professional opinion, please don’t hesitate to pursue that path. Take care, and I’m here if you have further questions!
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