Hi everyone. I first noticed a bump on my hand back in July of last year. I didn't know what it was and didn't really think much of it. I went to the doctor and they said that it was just a cyst and that it will likely go away on it's own. But, it had now been almost a year since first noticing the nodule.

I do not know what the original initiation of the disease may have been but I assume it may have been cheerleading. I have been a male cheerleader ever since I was a junior in high school. I use my hand much more than the average person and use them in an aggressive way at times. I throw girls into the air and they land on my hands, and often just my single right or left hand. I am now in college cheering for the best coed cheerleading team in the world.

As you could imagine, much of my life revolves around cheerleading and using my hands. At this current point, no contracture has begun. The nodule seems to vary in size and turns white-ish when I fully extend my fingers. If a contracture begins in my hand, my cheerleading career is over and this will be devastating considering it is my main source of income and I'm provided a scholarship. Ever since I thought that I may have Dupuytren's, I have been worrying and somewhat depressed.

I went to the doctor today and he said that I may indeed have the disease but it has not progressed to the contracture stage yet. He seemed to think it wasn't a big deal and that they can take care of it before it ever reaches a serious stage. I'm not convinced. I have a few questions:

Is there a chance this is not even Dupuytren's? The nodule is under my fourth finger and seems to have slight pits surrounding the area.

Likely how long will it be until I notice a contracture?

What should I do at this point? Should I go to a specialist and request radiation therapy, surgery, or a shot?

Will this affect me for the rest of my life? How likely is it that this young age of onset and my other factors will make the disease aggressive and untreatable?

Thank you so much, any help will be appreciated.

Here are links to pictures of my nodule on my right hand:

http://bayimg.com/OaOEIAAFe
http://bayimg.com/oAOeMaaFe
http://bayimg.com/Oaoenaafe
http://bayimg.com/OAOEOAAfe

Edited 05/20/14 00:23

Hi Look the first thing STOP WORRYING. This disease is not life threatening. You may find that the disease remains dormant for years. From the photos it appears that you have calluses on the mcp joint areas (base of fingers). You need to use a hand crème to soften the tissue. The idea is to monitor /take photos and take measurements using a protractor for future reference. Finally any breaking of the cord in the palm is easy if it ever is necessary using NA. I am in my early 70's and I always remember a saying I saw on a table,as a youth ,whilst waiting at the dentist . "I complained because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet" You have the world infront of you . Regards from Down Under.

Edited 05/23/14 11:39

Hello Dwise,
I agree with everyone. Get yourself to a good Hand surgeon/specialist. When calling the office ask to make sure the doctor is indeed abreast on early stages of Dup. If so make the appointment and go. Some doctors do not think MRI scan can detect this. I have had MRI on my hand and it did indeed detect Dup. Along with a ganglion located in the wrist. It is important to have accurate diagnoses. I am no expert. I can only speak from my experience. When I first noticed the signs I had pits in the hands and a very small area that appeared to be a callous located on the actual finger. I took pictures and emailed them to Professor Seegenschmidt in Germany. He confirmed by the photos that it appeared I was in the early stages. I then found a good hand surgeon in Atlanta (where I live). The team that reads the MRI’s are highly qualified to determine if there is Dup. At least that’s how it has worked out for me. Being of age 55 I headed straight to RT. Although the Atlanta hand surgeon was not keen on RT as she said this is not a mainstream treatment in the USA but that she would support me if that was the route I choose. I found an oncologist in Florida who follows Prof. Seegenschmidts protocol. My last round was 7 months ago. So far all is good. I do believe it has stop the progress.
Being as how your you are I would suggest you sending your photos to Professor Seegenschmidt who is an expert in this field. Perhaps he would be able to better assist you in a direction for someone of your age.
I hope this helps

Hello, the best advice for this question is to ask your surgeon!
However, there is one question/suggestion. You may have hypertrophic scarring developing under the wound. This condition is prevelant in a good number of people. Have you had any previous cuts/accidents in your arms or legs etc. and found the wound heals to show an angry red scar after about 4 weeks - and then eventually reduces. If this is the case then this is likely the scarring process that you are experiencing. If so - it will resolve itself. Just a suggestion.