About two months ago I discovered three small lumps in my left palm. My GP said they should be treated because they could grow larger and prevent closure of the hand and referred me to a surgeon. He recommended surgery to remove them. I agreed because, although he said they might return, it seemed to make sense to remove them before they grew larger when, obviously, surgery would have to be more extensive. At that time I just thought they were some sort of benign tumour. Since then I have done some research and it looks as if the surgery might be more extensive than I had thought. I also found that surgery isn't necessarily the end of it but, although Dupuytren's Contracture was never mentioned, I was told that the disorder was probably hereditary (Celtic genes) and, putting 2 and 2 together I see that these lumps are signs of a disorder (Dupuytren's) that can or generally does worsen over time. I'll get back to my GP / surgeon with some more questions of course. In the mean time I wonder if anyone on this site might have some advice for me. Does anyone know what, precisely, is the benefit in removing the nodules? Does that prevent or slow development of these cords that posters speak about? Does anyone know how extensive surgery is likely to be for just three small lumps (they ar about1/4 inch in diameter). I'm thinking too that perhaps it would be better to have radiotherapy instead. I saw the listing for clinics in Australia and will contact them. But it looks as if they are private clinics (hence expensive). Does anyone know whether radiotherapy is available for Dupuytren's in public hospitals? I am so glad I found this site. It was a shock to find that I had the prospect of this disorder worsening but, having found this site, I feel better already about my prospects of dealing with it. Many thanks to the creators of the site, and users for sharing information and support.

I suggest you research the benefits for you and pursue all possibilities of getting radiotherapy.

Just having nodules, it sounds like you are at the beginning stages. That's when RT most likely will stop the progression whereas surgery may trigger it to progress more rapidly.
Is is active - still developing more nodules or nodules getting larger, other symptoms of it being active like weird sensations in your palm, tightness developing, etc.??
They want to do RT when Dupuytren's is active.

I agree with Luba and Flora. RT has worked so far for me. It is about 1 year from my last RT and all is still well and no new nodules or cords. I would definitly lean towards RT if you have nodules or the beginning of DD. I am glad I did RT and have no regrets.

Lori