Recurring Non-Cancerous Tumors on My Mother's Wrist After Fracture
Approximately four years ago, my mother, aged 61, fractured her right wrist and required the installation of a metal plate for stabilization. Although she experienced some discomfort, her wrist mainly healed well. However, about a year and a half ago, a lump began to form directly atop the same wrist. Initially, her physician suspected it was a ganglion cyst, despite it being hard and painful. Upon its removal, the doctor identified it as a tumor, which was biopsied and fortunately confirmed as non-cancerous. Recently, about a month back, another bump has emerged in the same area, this time exhibiting a dark purple color and occasionally leaking fluid. Her doctor assessed the growth and believed it was small enough to excise during a routine office visit. To his surprise, during the procedure, he discovered that the tumor extended much deeper than anticipated. He ended up having to make an incision down to the bone to fully excise it. This, too, was sent for biopsy analysis. The doctors are puzzled as to why these tumors continue to develop. This situation is particularly challenging since it affects her dominant hand and causes significant discomfort, leading her to wish for a resolution to prevent future occurrences. Currently, she is not taking any medication aside from pain relief post-surgery. Standing at around 5’2” and weighing between 160 and 175 pounds, she maintains an active lifestyle that includes daily exercise, stretching each night, and walking the dog, along with a nutritious diet. The only other medical issues she's faced have been with varicose veins and bunions, both of which have been surgically addressed.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 3:12:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your mother has been through quite an ordeal with these recurring tumors on her wrist, and I can understand your concern regarding their recurrence and the impact on her quality of life. Let’s break down the situation and focus on actionable steps you can take to help manage her condition.
Key Points
- Recurring non-cancerous tumors on her wrist after fracture: The continuous development of these tumors, including complex features, is concerning.
- Management strategies: While the underlying cause of this recurrence is not fully understood, there are steps that can help decrease the risk of new growths and manage her symptoms.
Explanation
Non-cancerous tumors that appear after a fracture, particularly in the wrist area where surgical hardware is present, can be due to various reasons, including irritation from the surgical metal or other factors. These growths, often ganglion cysts or other forms of benign tumors, may recur, especially if there are underlying issues. While surgical excision is often necessary, it does not prevent recurrence, as you’ve seen.
Next Steps
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Follow-Up Care: Stay in close communication with her healthcare provider, especially post-surgery. Ensure she attends all follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process of the recent incision and any signs of tumor recurrence.
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Symptom Management:
- Pain Relief: Continue using prescribed pain relief methods post-surgery to ensure comfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help, but she should consult her doctor about what’s appropriate for her.
- Limit Strain on the Wrist: Encourage her to avoid repetitive wrist movements or heavy lifting with that hand, especially during recovery.
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Physical Therapy: After she has healed sufficiently, consider discussing with her doctor the possibility of physical or occupational therapy. A therapist can provide strategies to strengthen the wrist and may help minimize strain on the area.
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Lifestyle Considerations:
- Monitor Diet: Maintain her healthy eating habits to support overall health and potentially reduce inflammation.
- Regular Check-Ins: Encourage her to monitor any new lumps or changes diligently. Keeping a log can help identify patterns linked to activity or diet.
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Explore Specialist Consultation: If repeated tumors continue to appear, it might be beneficial to consult with a specialist in hand surgery or a rheumatologist. They might offer more insight or different treatment options tailored to potential underlying issues (like irritation from the plate or unusual tissue behaviors).
Reassurance
It’s understandable to feel anxious about these developments, but know that non-cancerous tumors are typically manageable with the right approach. Your mother's active lifestyle and commitment to her health will contribute positively to her recovery and future management. Please don't hesitate to reach out for updates or if specific issues arise.
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