What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A Ganglion cyst is a tumor that develops on top of a joint. A Ganglion cyst may also form in a way that covers a tendon, which refers to the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Similar to other cysts, a Ganglion cyst consists of a liquid sac that contains a gelatinous, thick substance.
Ganglion cysts commonly form on the back of the hand at the wrist joint. Ganglion cycsts can also develop on the palm side of the wrist.
If you or a loved one suffer hand pain that sounds like it may be caused by a Ganglion cyst, an SOS hand pain doctor can help.
Symptoms of a Ganglion Cyst
Ganglion cyst symptoms include:
- A bump that alters in size
- The cyst doesn't move and is soft
- Gradual or sudden swelling, which may reduce then come back later
- Hand pain
In addition, some patients may experience no symptoms outside of the visible cyst.
Causes of a Ganglion Cyst
Joint tissue damage is among the possible causes of a Ganglion cyst. This joint tissue damage can result in the joint breaking down, developing small cysts that eventually become one large cyst.
Deformities in a joint capsule or tendon may also cause a Ganglion cyst, resulting in the joint tissue bulging.
Ganglion Cyst Treatment
Some Ganglion cysts may disappear on their own; however, Ganglion cysts may also risk further complications. As it can be difficult to determine the severity and potential long term concerns related to a Ganglion cyst without a professional medical opinion, it's advisable to seek medical attention.
Some Ganglion cyst treatment options include:
- Removing the liquid in the cyst with a needle, then applying an anti-inflammatory injection
- Ganglion cyst surgery to remove the cyst
Ganglion Cyst Surgery
If a doctor has used a needle to remove liquid from a Ganglion cyst and the cyst re-appears, removing the Ganglion cyst with surgery may be the best approach. In addition, patients with persistent hand pain or who have lost function in their hand or fingers may benefit most from Ganglion cyst surgery.
See an SOS Hand Pain Specialist About a Ganglion Cyst
The hand pain specialists at SOS are experienced in diagnosing, caring for and treating patients with a Ganglion cyst.