Ganglion Cyst

What is ganglion/ ganglion cyst?

Ganglion cysts are the most common soft-tissue tumors of the hand and wrist. They also occur near knee, ankle, and shoulder joints. They contain transparent jelly like content and wall off by a well demarcated cyst wall. Anyone can be affected by ganglion cysts, they occur 3 times more common in women than in men. Mucous cysts are found in the distal inter-phalangeal joint and generally associated with joint degeneration, and therefore, they are most commonly seen in the elderly. Ganglion cysts are predominantly seen in young adults and are rare in children.

Cause

It is related to the degeneration of the mucoid connective tissue resulting in formation of cyst wall and cyst content. Overuse, repeated minor trauma, injury or degeneration may be associated.

Symptoms

• size of a ganglion cyst may change with time
• ganglions cysts are usually soft and of 1-3 cm in diameter
• ganglion cysts may be persistent for long period of time or suddenly rupture, disappear and reappear later.
• ganglion cyst may be painful upon movement
• ganglion cyst may be connected to a tendon, weakness of the associated area may occurs.

Treatment

If patients feels pain, numbness or impaired activities of daily living related to their ganglion cysts, then patients should consider treatment.

• needle aspiration (high chance of recurrance)
• sugical excision (high chance of cure)

FAQ

Q:  Is ganglion cysts related to cancer?
A:  No.  It is a benign condition of the joint and tendon.

Q:  Is there any chance of recurrence of ganglion cysts after surgical excision?
A:  Majority of the patient will not have recurrence after surgery.

Q:  Is treatment necessary to all ganglion cysts?
A:  No.  If patients feels pain, numbness or impaired activities of daily living related to their ganglion cysts, then patients should consider treatment.