What is a ganglion cyst?

 

Ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that usually develops over the back of the hand or wrist. It can appear as a firm cyst swelling or as a tense, solid-feeling hard mass.

 

 

What causes ganglion cysts?

 

Doctors don't know why ganglion cysts develop. One theory is that ganglion cysts are formed when connective tissue surrounding joints or tendon sheaths degenerate or are damaged by frictional wear and tear. It appears as a pouch filled with fluid in areas such as small joints of the wrist.

 

Can you get a ganglion cyst anywhere?

 

Ganglion cysts are found mostly on both sides of the wrist, on fingers and, occasionally, in the foot and ankle. Ganglion cysts that arise from tendon sheaths can interfere with the movement of the affected tendon and may account for catching or triggering in some finger movement.

 

 

Possible symptoms

 

Most ganglions have no symptoms. It arises as a solitary or a lobulated swelling near a joint or on the course of a tendon sheath. Ganglion cysts may vary in size but they are not cancerous and will not spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes, the ganglion may produce feelings of tightness or localized pressure to the joint, depending on the joint movement.

 

Blunt force is not an effective treatment for ganglion cysts

 

Some patients thought that a good way to smash a ganglion cyst was to strike the lump, but there are good reasons not to do it. The first is that it could cause damage to the surrounding tissue. As well as bad bruising, the patient may end up breaking a bone.

 

Do you need a surgery to remove the ganglion cysts?

 

Sometimes, ganglion cysts go away with no treatment. When the ganglion cyst becomes larger or if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, surgical excision may be indicated.

 

Reference:
http://www.orthoinfo-hkcos.org/?route=injuries-detail&c=4&i=15&t=61

 

*The above information is for reference only, please consult your doctor for detail.