Ganglion Cysts

a ganglion cyst is a firm, fluid-filled lump that can suddenly appear on the front or back of the wrist or at the base of a finger. These cysts grow from normal tissue in the wrist and fingers, and range in size from a pea to a peach pit. Although ganglion cysts are common they don't spread, and they don't become cancerous. They can occur after an injury, but many times it isn't known why they grow. Ganglion cysts can change in size, and may go away on their own.

Symptoms

A ganglion cyst is sometimes painful, especially when it first occurs. Constantly using your hand or wrist can make the cyst enlarge and hurt more. Some hand and wrist movements, such as grasping things, may also be difficult.

How it develops?

Wrist and hand are made up of many small bones that meet at joints. Tendons attach muscles to the bones at the joints. The tendons allow the joints to bend and straighten. Both tendons and joints are lined with tissue called synovium. This tissue produces a thick fluid that keeps the joints and tendons moving easily. Sometimes the tissue balloons out from the joint or tendons and forms a cyst. As the cyst fills with fluid and grows, it appears a lump you can feel.

Where ganglion cysts occur?

A ganglion cyst can occur anywhere on the hand near a joint. Cysts most commonly appear on the back or palm side of the wrist, or on the palm at the base of a finger.



Treating a ganglion cyst

Your doctor may just watch your ganglion cyst. Many shrink and become painless without treatment. Some disappear altogether. If the cyst is unsightly or painful. or makes it hard for you to use your hand, your doctor can treat it, or if needed, remove it surgically.

Nonsurgical Treatement

To shrink the cyst, your doctor may massage the fluid back into the surrounding tissue, ot remove (aspirate) the fluid with a needle. If the cyst hurts, your doctor may also give you an injection of an anti-inflammatory, such as cortisone, to relieve the irritation. Your hand may than be wrapped to help keep the cyst from recurring.

Surgical Treatement

A section of the tissue that lines the joint or tendon is removed along with the cyst. This helps prevent another cyst from forming.