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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
Related Questions
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?