Odd Blister

About three weeks ago I noticed a painful lump on the underside of my joint on my small finger.  It felt like a blister and when I applied pressure you could see a small blue area, smaller than a pea.  I don't remember having hurt myself...now three weeks later it is still there, but not really painful.  You can feel that it seems to be moveable to a small extent.  It hasn't grown any bigger, but it still has the blue color when pressure is applied to the skin.  What could this be?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough to say without seeing the lesion.  One consideration would be a neuroma, which is an enlarged nerve, that can cause lumps and bumps in the finger.  

You may want to consider imaging the lesion - perhaps with an ultrasound for further evaluation.  If it causes discomfort or persistant problems, surgery can be considered to remove the lesion.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[surgeon]

Probably most likely is a ganglion, which is a cyst protruding from the joint. Harmless. Sometimes need removal for symptoms. Before undergoing various tests, step one would be to have it looked at. If your doc doesn't know what it is, a hand surgeon likely would.

[Sondra Elmore]

Thank you!  It hasn't changed and isn't hurting me at all...I'm going to see if it gets better and if not I'll go see my doctor. I really appreciate your input.