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Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a tumor or swelling that appears on the top of a joint on the back or front of the wrist or the base of a finger. It looks like a sac of liquid. The inside of the cyst is composed of a clear, thick, colorless, jellylike substance. The cyst may feel firm or spongy to the touch. Often, this is dependent on its size. One large cyst or several smaller ones may appear. And although ganglion cysts are relatively common, they do not spread and they are not cancerous. Ganglion cysts are more common in women, and usually occur in individuals between the ages of 20–40. Often they may occur after an injury, but for the most part, it isn’t known exactly why they appear. They are capable of changing in size and may simply disappear on their own.
Treatment
Since many ganglion cysts shrink and become painless without any treatment, a physician may just want to observe its progress. If, however, the cyst is deemed unsightly, becomes painful, or makes it difficult for one to use the hand, a doctor may decide to treat it, or if necessary, remove it surgically.
Non-operative Treatment
In order to shrink the cyst, a doctor may simply remove the fluid with a needle. To relieve pain, he may also give the patient an anti-inflammatory, such as cortisone, to help alleviate the irritation. The treated hand may then be wrapped to help prevent the cyst from coming back, although recurrence is very common in this setting.
Surgery
If the cyst continues to be present, the doctor may remove it surgically. To help prevent another cyst from forming, a section of the tissue that lines the tendon or joint is also removed along with the cyst. During this procedure, usually only the hand or arm is numbed, and the patient is free to return home a few hours after surgery. However, the hand may be in a splint for several weeks to allow time for healing. |
