Description
Ganglion cysts are the most common benign soft tissue tumors of the hand and wrist, but can also occur in other areas of the body as well. The cause of these cysts is not known. One theory suggests that connective tissue degenerates over time due to irritation. The degeneration produces a hard outer coating and a mucin filled center. Ganglion cysts are three times more common in women and more common in young adults.
Symptoms
Many cysts are usually asymptomatic. Others may produce pain or limitation of movement through the closest joint. If the cyst compresses nearby nerves, numbness or weakness may also occur.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. The diagnosis can often be made on a clinical history and physical exam. Occasionally, imaging tests may be required.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. The diagnosis can often be made on a clinical history and physical exam. Occasionally, imaging tests may be required.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Family Practice
Treatment
There are several common approaches to treatment. Initial medical treatment may be attempted with applied compression or rupture of the cyst through direct pressure or a bandage. Needle aspiration may be performed to remove the fluid in the cyst. Surgical treatment can be performed both by making an incision (open) and through a small tube attached to a camera (arthroscopic) to remove the cyst. Ganglion cysts may reoccur following any of these treatments.