Ganglion Cysts
What is
it?
Ganglion cysts are very common masses
(lumps) that sometimes grow in the hand and
wrist. The cysts are generally found on the
top of the wrist, on the palm side of the
wrist, the end joint of a finger (mucous
cysts), and at the base of a finger.
Ganglion cysts usually come from nearby
joints or tendon sheaths. There is no
specific cause. These cysts can be painful,
especially when they first appear or with
constant or strenuous use of the hand.
Ganglions often change in size and may
disappear completely. These cysts are not
malignant (cancerous).
Diagnosis.
The diagnosis of a ganglion cyst is usually
based on where the cyst is and what it looks
like. Your hand surgeon may recommend X-rays
to rule out problems in nearby joints.
Treatment.
Treatment of ganglion cysts may be simply
watching for any changes. However, if the
cyst is painful, limits activity, or its
appearance is unacceptable to the patient,
other treatment may be recommended.
Treatment may include removing fluid from
the cyst with a needle and/or the wearing of
a splint to keep the hand or wrist from
moving. If these nonsurgical treatments
fail, surgery to remove the cyst may be
recommended by your hand surgeon.
The goal of
surgery is to remove the source of the cyst.
This may require removal of a portion of the
joint capsule or tendon sheath next to the
ganglion. If the ganglion is removed from
the wrist a splint may be recommended
following surgery. Some patients may feel
tenderness, discomfort, and swelling at the
site of their surgery a little longer than
others, but full activity can be resumed
once comfort permits. While surgery offers
the best success in removing ganglions,
these cysts may return.
Diagram 1
Ganglion dorsum of wrist and end joint of
the finger (mucous cyst).
Diagram 2
Ganglions, palmar wrist and base of finger.
Diagram 3
Cross section of wrist showing root of
ganglion
Copyright ©
American Society for Surgery of the Hand
2001.
|
