Ganglion Cysts: Causes and Treatment
A Ganglion cyst is a small anatomical sac, containing some colorless fluid, which appears on the joints of the human body - at the back of the hand or at the knee joint to be precise.
Ganglion cyst is a swelling, or a tumor, which appears on the hand or feet, especially the area around the joints and tendons. Depending on the size, this cyst can be firm or spongy. It contains a thick, sticky, colorless, jelly-like substance. Sometimes it's a single large cyst while at other times it can be in the form of multiple small cysts having a common stalk connecting them. In some cases, individual cyst can be as large as 4 inches. These cysts are more common in women, and individuals between the age group of 20 to 40 years. This disease is rarely seen in children below 10 years. Although it can appear on the palm of the hand, in 70 per cent cases the cyst appears on the back of the hand.
Causes
Ganglion cyst, may appear due to an injury or frequent use of a repetitive motion of the body part. A degenerative joint disease known as osteoarthritis can also lead to formation of the ganglion cyst on the body. Mucous cyst is an example of a cyst caused due to osteoarthritis. Some theories suggest that trauma can be a reason for formation of this cyst on the body. Flaw in joint capsule or tendon sheath can also force the joint tissue to move out, and this may lead to the formation of such bumps.
Symptoms
Ganglion cysts are normally small, painless bumps but sometimes they can be quite painful, specially when they exert pressure on the nerves near the joint. Over the period, they can lead to weakening of the joint mobility as well as the grip. The size of these cysts varies with time; the cysts grows bigger as activity increases and more fluid gets collected in the bump. In some cases, this cyst may also break and gradually disappear on its own.
Diagnosis
Quite often, this disease can be diagnosed by its location and appearance. One can feel the bump when a finger is traced around it. A doctor can use a more technical method of focusing light alongside; in case of a ganglion cyst - the light can pass through the bump. An X-ray may be recommended if the doctor suspects osteoarthritis or any other injury; but not specifically for ganglion cyst. Sometimes even the fluid within the sac can be removed and examined for diagnosis. In very rare cases though, even MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or Ultrasound techniques are used but such instances are almost negligible.
Treatment
Ganglion cysts, usually, don't need any treatment, they go away on their own. But in some cases, wherein a patient may experience severe pain, pressure on nerves or if it is limiting a particular activity, then some non-surgical treatment may be recommended by the doctor. This non-surgical treatment may include wearing a splint (a hard wrap which keeps the affected part stable), massaging the bump to reduce the fluid or aspiration (draining the sac with a syringe and a needle). Depending on the seriousness of the issue, even a surgery may be recommended, but such instances are very rare.
After the surgery it is advised to hold the affected portion high for a span of time, basically to reduce swelling. The after effects such as swelling or tenderness are experienced for 2 to 4 weeks that follow. Sometimes the surgery can be risky, as some blood vessel or nerve can be damaged so it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner to choose the correct treatment option.
Causes
Ganglion cyst, may appear due to an injury or frequent use of a repetitive motion of the body part. A degenerative joint disease known as osteoarthritis can also lead to formation of the ganglion cyst on the body. Mucous cyst is an example of a cyst caused due to osteoarthritis. Some theories suggest that trauma can be a reason for formation of this cyst on the body. Flaw in joint capsule or tendon sheath can also force the joint tissue to move out, and this may lead to the formation of such bumps.
Symptoms
Ganglion cysts are normally small, painless bumps but sometimes they can be quite painful, specially when they exert pressure on the nerves near the joint. Over the period, they can lead to weakening of the joint mobility as well as the grip. The size of these cysts varies with time; the cysts grows bigger as activity increases and more fluid gets collected in the bump. In some cases, this cyst may also break and gradually disappear on its own.
Diagnosis
Quite often, this disease can be diagnosed by its location and appearance. One can feel the bump when a finger is traced around it. A doctor can use a more technical method of focusing light alongside; in case of a ganglion cyst - the light can pass through the bump. An X-ray may be recommended if the doctor suspects osteoarthritis or any other injury; but not specifically for ganglion cyst. Sometimes even the fluid within the sac can be removed and examined for diagnosis. In very rare cases though, even MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or Ultrasound techniques are used but such instances are almost negligible.
Treatment
Ganglion cysts, usually, don't need any treatment, they go away on their own. But in some cases, wherein a patient may experience severe pain, pressure on nerves or if it is limiting a particular activity, then some non-surgical treatment may be recommended by the doctor. This non-surgical treatment may include wearing a splint (a hard wrap which keeps the affected part stable), massaging the bump to reduce the fluid or aspiration (draining the sac with a syringe and a needle). Depending on the seriousness of the issue, even a surgery may be recommended, but such instances are very rare.
After the surgery it is advised to hold the affected portion high for a span of time, basically to reduce swelling. The after effects such as swelling or tenderness are experienced for 2 to 4 weeks that follow. Sometimes the surgery can be risky, as some blood vessel or nerve can be damaged so it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner to choose the correct treatment option.
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