Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are masses of tissues under the skin that are filled with a jelly-like substance. Here is some useful information about ganglion cysts.
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that appear along the tendons or joints. They are located mostly in the wrist, fingers and feet. However, cysts are also formed around the joints of elbow, shoulder, knee and ankle. Ganglion cysts are also known as wrist cysts and bible bumps. Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous and develop gradually or over a period of time. The fluid that fills up the cysts is colorless and gelatinous in nature, similar to the fluid found in the joints. Women are more susceptible to ganglion cysts than men.
Ganglion Cysts: Causes and Symptoms
Ganglion cysts are formed due to inflammation of tissues surrounding the joints, which are then loaded with the lubricating fluid of the joints. Ganglion cysts are developed due to conditions such as osteoarthritis and injuries in the joints and tendons. In addition, formation of ganglion cysts is observed due to excessive use of the wrist and hand muscles. Hence, those people whose occupation requires repetitive use of certain joints such as wrist and fingers are more prone to develop ganglion cysts. At times, they are caused due to unknown reasons. Common sites of ganglion cyst formation are base of finger on the palm side, palm side of the wrist and top of the wrist.
Most cases of ganglion cysts are asymptomatic and do not cause significant symptoms. One of the noticeable signs of ganglion cysts is a raised lump in the regions where the cysts are located, mostly near the wrist and finger joints. Usually, the size of the lumps varies depending upon the pressure on the affected joints, for example, size increases with increase in pressure and vice versa. Other symptoms of ganglion cysts are pain, tenderness, weakness, swelling and numbness of the affected areas. In rare cases, ganglion cysts on the finger can cause deformity of the fingernail.
Ganglion Cysts: Diagnosis and Treatment
Ganglion cysts are diagnosed based on the physical examination of the affected areas. One can go for X-ray imaging or an ultrasound procedure for confirmation of ganglion cysts.
Ganglion cysts do not need treatments as far as they are asymptomatic. Treatment of symptomatic ganglion cysts is done with proper rest and supporting the affected joint with a splint. This helps in decreasing the size of the cysts. One can use prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain (if any). In case symptoms persist for a longer period, aspiration of the cysts is recommended. In this procedure, the cysts are aspirated with the help of a needle, followed by injection of a steroid compound to prevent recurrent development of the ganglion cysts. In case of repetitive development of ganglion cysts, removal of the cysts by surgical methods is proved to be effective. Both traditional and arthroscopic techniques are beneficial in case of ganglion cysts of the wrist.
Even after aspiration and surgical removal of the cysts, it is advisable to provide support to the affected areas, so as to limit movement and reduce stress. About 10% of the patients who underwent surgical excision have experienced recurrent development of cysts. Hence, it is important to know the pros and cons of the various treatment methods. Always consult and seek advice from a physician to get the right treatment for ganglion cysts.
Ganglion Cysts: Causes and Symptoms
Ganglion cysts are formed due to inflammation of tissues surrounding the joints, which are then loaded with the lubricating fluid of the joints. Ganglion cysts are developed due to conditions such as osteoarthritis and injuries in the joints and tendons. In addition, formation of ganglion cysts is observed due to excessive use of the wrist and hand muscles. Hence, those people whose occupation requires repetitive use of certain joints such as wrist and fingers are more prone to develop ganglion cysts. At times, they are caused due to unknown reasons. Common sites of ganglion cyst formation are base of finger on the palm side, palm side of the wrist and top of the wrist.
Most cases of ganglion cysts are asymptomatic and do not cause significant symptoms. One of the noticeable signs of ganglion cysts is a raised lump in the regions where the cysts are located, mostly near the wrist and finger joints. Usually, the size of the lumps varies depending upon the pressure on the affected joints, for example, size increases with increase in pressure and vice versa. Other symptoms of ganglion cysts are pain, tenderness, weakness, swelling and numbness of the affected areas. In rare cases, ganglion cysts on the finger can cause deformity of the fingernail.
Ganglion Cysts: Diagnosis and Treatment
Ganglion cysts are diagnosed based on the physical examination of the affected areas. One can go for X-ray imaging or an ultrasound procedure for confirmation of ganglion cysts.
Ganglion cysts do not need treatments as far as they are asymptomatic. Treatment of symptomatic ganglion cysts is done with proper rest and supporting the affected joint with a splint. This helps in decreasing the size of the cysts. One can use prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain (if any). In case symptoms persist for a longer period, aspiration of the cysts is recommended. In this procedure, the cysts are aspirated with the help of a needle, followed by injection of a steroid compound to prevent recurrent development of the ganglion cysts. In case of repetitive development of ganglion cysts, removal of the cysts by surgical methods is proved to be effective. Both traditional and arthroscopic techniques are beneficial in case of ganglion cysts of the wrist.
Even after aspiration and surgical removal of the cysts, it is advisable to provide support to the affected areas, so as to limit movement and reduce stress. About 10% of the patients who underwent surgical excision have experienced recurrent development of cysts. Hence, it is important to know the pros and cons of the various treatment methods. Always consult and seek advice from a physician to get the right treatment for ganglion cysts.
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