Ganglion Cysts

What is It?

A Ganglion cyst is a benign (not cancerous) tumor that occurs near joints or tendons and, like with a mucous cyst, there is a readily accepted ganglion cyst treatment. Ganglion cysts the most commonly seen as “lumps” found in the hand. The cysts are firm sacs filled with a clear jelly-like fluid. A Ganglion cyst can be seen in any age group, and are found more often in women. When found in the fingers, near the nail, they can be called a mucous cyst. The size of the cyst(s) may vary; at times they may even seem to disappear.

What causes it?

Fluid from a joint or around a tendon gets trapped, forming a balloon-like structure that appears as a swelling or bump. The lump can get larger with use of the joint or tendon it is attached to; often getting tender as its size increases. The actual cause is controversial; some appear after an injury or with arthritis, most have no apparent cause. The pain and swelling can usually be reduced with a basic Ganglion cyst treatment.

How is it diagnosed?

A non-painful lump or bump found adjacent to a joint or tendon is usually a ganglion cyst. If a needle is stuck in the cyst, a clear jelly-like fluid is found. The lump may get tender with use. Fluctuation in size is also consistent with ganglion cysts. X-rays are normal in the uncomplicated ganglion cyst and mucous cyst diagnoses. Ganglion cysts in the fingers are sometimes called mucous cysts and can be associated with arthritis. MRI is occasionally useful to localize small, suspected ganglions.

What are the symptoms?

The lump itself is the usual reason a ganglion cyst is noticed. There is typically no pain at rest, but the cyst may be tender with activity. Occasionally, numbness or tingling is associated with ganglions, especially with the larger ones. Common locations include the wrist or in the fingers.

What are the treatments?

Ganglion cyst treatment can begin with observation over time. Alternatively some can be drained with a needle. The ones in the fingers tend to recur after drainage; therefore, surgery is the standard treatment of a ganglion (mucous cyst) in the fingers. Ganglions in the hand or finger are removed in the office under a local anesthetic. This is not only much less costly than surgery in the hospital or operating room, but this ganglion cyst treatment is equally effective and safe. Wrist ganglions are removed in the operating room in either the hospital or outpatient surgery center.

What are the results of the surgery?

After surgery for ganglions in the fingers or hand, a bandage is worn for a week until it is time to remove the sutures. With wrist ganglions, a brace is worn post-operatively for 3-4 weeks, and lifting restrictions will be required. A short course of hand therapy is sometimes recommended to hasten recovery of flexibility and strength following ganglion cyst treatment. Return to work or other activities is usually shortly after surgery, but depends on the physical requirements of your job or activities. Full use of the hand/wrist should be regained within 4-6 weeks after surgery. After ganglion surgery, more than 90% are satisfied, with a less than 5% recurrence of ganglion cyst or mucous cyst.

Ganglion Cysts

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