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What Are Ganglion Cysts Caused By?

What Are Ganglion Cysts Caused By?

Ganglion cysts are noncancerous, fluid-filled lumps that typically appear on the wrists or hands. The exact cause is generally unknown, but they are commonly developed when joint tissues or ligaments undergo strain or are injured. Cysts can also develop as a result of joint or tendon inflammation. While ganglion cysts are typically painless, a medical evaluation may be necessary if they become painful or impair joint function. Ganglion cysts can be diagnosed and removed at Florida Hand Center. Treatments for ganglion cysts are available today. Contact our team of professionals today at Florida Hand Center to book your next appointment. We have convenient locations in Fort Myers, FL and Port Charlotte, FL to serve you.

What Are Ganglion Cysts Caused By? | Florida Hand Center
What Are Ganglion Cysts Caused By? | Florida Hand Center

Table of Contents:

How can you make a ganglion cyst go away?
Why am I getting multiple ganglion cysts?
Are ganglion cysts caused by stress?
How are ganglion cysts diagnosed?

How can you make a ganglion cyst go away?


Despite not endangering your health, ganglion cysts can cause pain and affect your appearance. The majority of ganglion cysts will disappear in a matter of time on their own. Cysts that cause tingling, pain, and weakness of muscles may require surgical removal. Joint movement and repetitive activities can increase their size, and they can appear suddenly or grow slowly over time. If left untreated, complications can occur. The most common complication is infection. If the cyst fills with bacteria and bursts inside the body, blood poisoning can result.

Ganglion cysts are usually painless and do not require treatment. Your doctor may recommend watching and waiting. The cyst may require treatment if it causes pain or interferes with joint movement. Cysts can be treated in a variety of ways depending on their size, location, and severity.

Temporary immobilization with a brace or splint may be helpful in preventing the ganglion cyst from growing. Cyst shrinkage may relieve nerve pressure. It is not recommended to wear braces and splints for a long period of time since they can weaken nearby muscles. Fluid from the cyst can be drained with a needle, but recurrence is possible. Surgery may be an option if other approaches have not worked. During this procedure, cysts and their stalks are removed from joints and tendons. In rare cases, the surgery can damage nerves, blood vessels, or tendons. Cysts can recur even after surgery.

Why am I getting multiple ganglion cysts?


The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown. In this condition, tissue grows out of a joint or tendon lining and bulges out of place around the joint or tendon. Cysts also contain thick lubricating fluid, similar to that found in joints or surrounding tendons. Ganglion cysts are associated with various risk factors including sex, age, osteoarthritis, and tendon or joint injuries. In most cases, ganglion cysts affect women between the ages of 20 and 40, but they can affect anyone. People with wear-and-tear arthritis in the joints are more likely to develop osteoarthritis in the areas around their joints. A ganglion cyst is more likely to develop in previously injured joints or tendons.

Are ganglion cysts caused by stress?


Exactly how ganglion cysts form is unknown to experts. As the cysts often develop in overused or traumatized joints, joint stress may play a role. It is also possible for them to develop after a joint leaks synovial fluid into the surrounding area. It is not entirely clear how or why this occurs.

How are ganglion cysts diagnosed?


Your doctor may apply pressure to the cyst during the physical exam to check for tenderness or discomfort. A light may be used to determine if the cyst is solid or filled with fluid.

To rule out other conditions, such as arthritis or a tumor, your doctor may also recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasounds and MRIs can also detect hidden cysts.

A ganglion cyst and a tumor differ slightly, although they may not be visible. A cyst is a small sac filled with air, fluid, or other materials. A tumor is an abnormal growth of extra tissue. Tumors and cysts can affect your skin, tissue, organs, and bones. A professional medical opinion is the best course of action. A cyst that appears uniform on an ultrasound or computerized tomography scan is usually benign.

Using a needle and syringe, your doctor can draw out (aspirate) fluid from a ganglion cyst in order to confirm the diagnosis. There will be a thick, clear, or translucent fluid coming from a ganglion cyst.

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Locations - Florida Hand Center in Fort Myers, FL and Port Charlotte, FL

Port Charlotte

  • 18344 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
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Fort Myers

  • 13710 Metropolis Ave. Suite 103, Fort Myers, FL 33912
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