Diagnostic imaging of tumors of the hand and wrist

Tumors of the hand and wrist most commonly result from dystrophic lesions and hamartomas. Neoplastic lesions are rare. Imaging modalities are required for their detection and accurate location, careful assessment of the internal structure and borders, evaluation of the relation with surrounding tendons, nerves, and vessels, and are also required for staging. A variety of imaging techniques, including standard radiographs, sonography, CT, and MRI, can be obtained. The aim of this article is to present paradigmatic images of a variety of expansible lesions of the hand and wrist and to describe and compare the diagnostic findings of different imaging techniques.