I noticed a couple of nodules forming in both my left and right hands right at the base of my ring fingers. They are in the same spot but the nodule in my left hand is worse than the one in my right. I have no contracture, no pits, and no cords, yet. I went to see a hand specialist last week and he told me to "live my life," because he didn't want to diagnose me with anything yet. When he first felt my hands he started talking about dupuytren's, but said that it could also be a cyst, a malignant tumor, or a benign tumor. I don't know what to do at this point, I know it's suppose to be aggressive at my age. I've heard really good things about radiation therapy but I don't have insurance. My question is, could this be anything besides dupuytren's? Is it likely that dupuytren's will form nodules in the exact same spot in both my hands?

Hi IJ
Did the hand specialist refer you for an ultrasound to find out exactly what you're dealing with? That would be the first logical step before getting on and living your life. I had a nodule form in the same spot on each foot at exactly the same time, so I would think it's possible in hands. Hopefully your nodules will lie dormant for a few years like mine did.

My advice would be to learn everything you can about the condition and work out a specific treatment plan so you are ready to act quickly when the nodules do start to advance (which might be years), because you can get functional impairment in a very short space of time. Radiation treatment was very successful for me, but you need to work out what is right for you.
Good luck!
Di

IJ300:

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I noticed a couple of nodules forming in both my left and right hands right at the base of my ring fingers. They are in the same spot but the nodule in my left hand is worse than the one in my right. I have no contracture, no pits, and no cords, yet. I went to see a hand specialist last week and he told me to "live my life," because he didn't want to diagnose me with anything yet. When he first felt my hands he started talking about dupuytren's, but said that it could also be a cyst, a malignant tumor, or a benign tumor. I don't know what to do at this point, I know it's suppose to be aggressive at my age. I've heard really good things about radiation therapy but I don't have insurance. My question is, could this be anything besides dupuytren's? Is it likely that dupuytren's will form nodules in the exact same spot in both my hands?

Thanks for the responses guys. No, I didn't have an ultrasound done. He did offer to take an MRI, which I refused. I started taking photos of my hands every 2 weeks to see how fast it's progressing. I'm just worried because I'm very active and practically live in the gym, it's going to be hard to let go of something that I truly love to do if my hands get any worse.

I too encourage you to get a confirmed diagnosis than get to know your hands well. I had nodules for about 5-10 years with not much happening than the disease started to get more active with aching, pain when stretching, tingling and numbness in one finger. If this or similar type of symptoms develop, seek treatment before contraction develop.

Hi IJ
An ultrasound is a much cheaper option than an MRI so you could check out affordability.
Take care
Di