Ganglion Cyst Overview
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a lump or swelling which typically forms on a joint or tendon covering. The cyst appears as a swelling filled with liquid, which is usually a sticky jelly-like substance rather than an actual liquid. Smaller cysts tend to feel firm, while larger cysts have a spongy feeling.
Ganglion cysts are not harmful, but may occasionally be painful or may impede normal movement. They are more common in women between the ages of twenty and forty, and usually form on the back of the hand or on the wrist. More rarely they may form on the base of the fingers (on the palm side), the fingertip, on the knee or ankle, or on the top of the foot.
What Causes Ganglion Cysts?
The exact causes of ganglion cysts are unknown, but the general belief is that some type of injury or trauma generally causes ganglion cysts to form. Irritation or inflammation of the tendon sheath (the covering of the tendon), an injury, performing repetitive tasks or motions, and osteoarthritis are all thought to be causes of ganglion cysts.
Ganglion Cyst Signs and Symptoms
Regardless of what causes ganglion cysts to form, the symptoms tend to be the same. Ganglion cyst symptoms may include the following:
- A noticeable bump on the wrist, back of the hand, or other places. (For many people, this is the only symptom to appear.)
- The ganglion cyst may grow or shrink in size over time, or may disappear entirely. If the cyst disappears it may return at a later date.
- If the cyst is touching a nerve, it may cause tingling or burning sensations.
- If the cyst is pressing against a joint or tendon it may cause aching or a dull pain.
- Movement may be impaired if the cyst is on the knee or foot and irritation may make wearing shoes difficult.
Treatment for Ganglion Cysts
Up to 60% of ganglion cysts disappear on their own, with no medical treatment. It is usually not recommended to treat cysts at home, due to the possibility of infection or further injury.
The typical treatment for a ganglion cyst involves removal of the fluid inside the cyst with a needle (aspiration). Following drainage of the fluid, a steroid medication may be injected into the area to reduce swelling.
In up to 74% of cases a single aspiration treatment will prevent the cyst recurring. After three treatments, 85% of cysts are permanently cured. However, cysts on the leg or foot are more likely to recur than those on the hand or wrist.
About Ganglion Cyst Surgery
If other ganglion cyst treatments do not work or are not a good option, one alternative is to undergo ganglion cyst surgery to remove the cyst entirely. Surgery may be indicated if pain persists, if the cyst continues to reappear after non-surgical treatments, if the dominant hand is involved, or if a cyst on the leg or foot impedes normal movement.
Ganglion cyst surgery typically involves a local anesthetic to numb the area. The surgeon makes a skin incision near the cyst then removes the entire cyst as well as the “stalk” which attaches it to the tendon or joint.
As an alternative to other treatments for ganglion cysts, ganglion cyst surgery is particularly effective, as the recurrence rate is much lower. However, even after surgery a ganglion cyst may return in some cases.
References
Ganglion Cyst Information at eMedicine