Information and Resources
Ganglion Cyst
Ganglion Cyst Overview
A ganglion
cyst is a tumor or swelling on top of a joint or the covering of a tendon
(tissue that connects muscle to bone). It looks like a sac of liquid (cyst).
Inside the cyst is a thick, sticky, clear, colorless, jellylike material.
Depending on the size, cysts may feel firm or
spongy.
- One large cyst or many smaller ones may develop. Multiple small cysts can
give the appearance of more than one cyst, but a common stalk within the deeper
tissue usually connects them. This type of cyst is not harmful and accounts for
about half of all soft tissue tumors of the hand.
- Ganglion cysts, also known as Bible cysts, are more common in women,
and 70% occur in people between the ages of 20-40. Rarely, ganglion cysts can
occur in children younger than 10 years.
- Ganglion cysts most commonly occur on the back of the hand (60-70%),
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. Other sites, although less common, include these:
- The base of the fingers on the palm, where they appear as small pea-sized
bumps
- The fingertip, just below the cuticle, where they are called mucous
cysts
- The outside of the knee and ankle
- The top of the foot
- The base of the fingers on the palm, where they appear as small pea-sized
bumps
Ganglion Cyst Causes
The cause of ganglion cysts is not known. One theory suggests that trauma causes the tissue of the joint to break down forming small cysts, which then join into a larger, more obvious mass. The most likely theory involves a flaw in the joint capsule or tendon sheath that allows the joint tissue to bulge out.
Ganglion Cyst Symptoms
- The ganglion cyst usually appears as a bump (mass) that changes size.
- It is usually soft, anywhere from 1-3 cm in diameter (about .4-1.2 inches)
and doesn't move.
- The swelling may appear over time or appear suddenly, may get smaller in
size, and may even go away, only to come back at another time.
- Most ganglion cysts cause some degree of pain, usually following acute or
repetitive trauma, but up to 35% are without symptoms, except for
appearance.
- The pain is usually nonstop, aching, and made worse by joint motion.
- When the cyst is connected to a tendon, you may feel a sense of weakness in the affected finger.
When to Seek Medical Care
Whether you have symptoms or not, your ganglion cyst can benefit from medical evaluation. Your doctor can be sure that you have a ganglion cyst, keep you from worrying, and help decide on the best treatment plan for you.
A ganglion cyst does not need to have emergency treatment unless you have significant trauma. A routine check by either your doctor or a specialist in bones and joints (an orthopedist) should be enough.
WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth
