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Ganglion Cyst - Ganglion Cyst symptom, treatment, causes

A firm, fluid-containing swelling that develops in the fibrous sheath surrounding a tendon. Ganglion cysts are found most often on the tendons of the wrist or hand, and sometimes on the foot. Most are no bigger than a pea, but occasionally they can reach 5 cm in diameter. Ganglion cysts do not usually cause pain or disability. Many disappear spon-taneously. If a ganglion is tender or unsightly, or interferes with the use of the affected part, it can be removed by a simple operation, usually with a local anaesthetic.

A ganglion cyst is a tumor or swelling on top of a joint or the covering of a tendon. It looks like a sac of liquid. The size of the cyst can vary over time, often becoming more inflamed if irritated. It is most frequently located around the wrist and on the fingers. Ganglion cysts most commonly occur on the back of the hand, at the wrist joint and can also develop on the palm side of the wrist. When found on the back of the wrist, they become more prominent when the wrist is flexed forward. Ganglion cysts, also known as Bible cysts, are more common in women, and 70% occur in people between the ages of 20-40. The exact cause of the formation of ganglion cysts is still unknown but they are thought to be due to a degeneration of the fibrous tissue surrounding joints leading to a cystic structure. They are not generally considered harmful and are normally asymptomatic. Sometimes they may cause limitations of movement and can also cause weakness, pain and paraesthesia (pins and needles) if they press on adjacent nerves. Ganglions can be painless; however, they often are associated with tenderness and pain which may restrict the range of movements. Ganglions are harmless and if there is no pain or other complications they are usually left alone. They sometimes just disappear anyway. Initial treatment may simply involve limiting the activities which place a strain on the affected area, resting the joint, supporting it in a splint. Draining the fluid from the cyst may help ease symptoms.

Ganglion cysts typically arise from a nearby joint or tendon. The lining of the joint or tendon can have an area of weakness, allowing an extra amount of fluid to collect. Non-occupational factors or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis have been associated with ganglion cysts. Occupational factors play also an important role in the development of ganglions. Those occupations that require workers to excessively overuse certain joints such as the wrist and fingers pose the risk for ganglion cysts. If a ganglion cyst is symptomatic, it can be managed by aspiration or excision. Aspiration of the cyst is the simpler method, but cysts will develop again in about 50% of cases. In most cases, ganglion cysts cause no pain and require no treatment. In many cases, ganglion cysts go away on their own. The diagnosis of ganglion cyst is made by physical examination. Medical tests such as x-rays may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Because ganglion cysts are not cancerous and may disappear with time, the physician may recommend just waiting and watching it for any changes. The treatment can consist of rest, splinting the affected joint and, in some cases, aspiration of fluid is recommended. If a ganglion cyst tends to reoccur, surgical removal may be recommended.

Causes of Ganglion cyst

The common causes and risk factor's of Ganglion cyst include the following:

• The exact cause of the formation of ganglion cysts is still unknown.
• Some type of injury.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Participating in gymnastics.
• Trauma.
• Non-occupational factors or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of Ganglion cyst

Some sign and symptoms related to Ganglion cyst are as follows:

• Most ganglion cysts cause some degree of pain.
• The pain is usually nonstop, aching, and made worse by joint motion.
• Dull ache or tenderness around the affected joint (joint with the ganglion cyst on it).
• Tingling or burning, if the cyst is touching a nerve.
• Numb wrist.
• Difficulty wearing shoes due to irritation between the lump and the shoe.
• The affected tendon may cause a sensation of muscular weakness.

Treatment of Ganglion cyst

Here is list of the methods for treating Ganglion cyst:

• Taking an anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may also help.
• If a ganglion cyst is symptomatic, it can be managed by aspiration or excision. Aspiration usually includes placing a needle into the cyst, drawing the liquid material out, injecting a steroid compound (anti-inflammatory), and then splinting your wrist to keep it from moving.
• Wearing shoes that do not rub the cyst or cause irritation may be advised. In addition, placing a pad inside the shoe may help reduce pressure against the cyst.
• If the cyst causes no pain and does not interfere with walking, the surgeon may decide it is best to carefully watch the cyst over a period of time.
• When other treatment options fail or are not appropriate, the cyst may need to be surgically removed.