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
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