Ganglion Cyst
Benign, fluid-filled lumps that commonly develop near joints and tendons
What is a Ganglion Cyst?
A ganglion cyst is a benign (non-cancerous), fluid-filled lump that typically develops near joints or tendons in the hands, wrists, feet, or ankles. These cysts contain a thick, jelly-like fluid similar to the fluid that lubricates joints. Ganglion cysts are the most common type of soft tissue tumor in the hand and wrist, though they can occur anywhere in the body. They vary in size and may appear suddenly or develop gradually over time.
Common Symptoms
Ganglion cysts can cause various symptoms depending on their location and size:
- Leg pain - Discomfort in the leg when cysts affect lower extremity joints
- Hand or finger pain - Pain in the hand or fingers from cysts near these joints
- Wrist swelling - Swelling around the wrist area
- Skin growth - Visible lump or bump on the skin surface
- Knee pain - Discomfort in the knee joint
- Foot or toe pain - Pain in the foot or toe area
- Knee swelling - Swelling around the knee joint
- Knee lump or mass - Palpable lump around the knee
- Hand or finger lump or mass - Visible or palpable mass in hand or fingers
- Wrist lump or mass - Lump or mass around the wrist joint
Common Causes
The exact cause of ganglion cysts is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute:
- Joint or tendon irritation: Repeated stress or minor injuries to joints
- Joint capsule weakness: Areas where the joint capsule is naturally weaker
- Degenerative changes: Wear and tear of joint tissues over time
- Trauma: Previous injury to the joint or surrounding area
- Repetitive motion: Overuse of certain joints or tendons
- Age: More common in people aged 15-40
- Gender: Women are more commonly affected than men
- Genetics: May have a hereditary component
Common Locations
Wrist Ganglion Cysts
Most common location, typically appearing on the back of the wrist. May cause pain with wrist movement and can vary in size.
Hand and Finger Cysts
Can occur near finger joints or along tendons. May interfere with finger movement and grip strength.
Foot and Ankle Cysts
Less common but can cause pain with walking or wearing shoes. Often found on the top of the foot.
Knee Cysts
May develop around the knee joint, sometimes causing pain or stiffness with movement.
Diagnosis
Ganglion cysts are typically diagnosed through:
- Physical examination: Visual inspection and palpation of the lump
- Transillumination: Shining light through the cyst shows fluid content
- Ultrasound: Confirms fluid-filled nature and rules out solid tumors
- MRI: Detailed imaging to assess size and relationship to surrounding structures
- Aspiration: Needle withdrawal of fluid for analysis (also therapeutic)
- X-rays: To rule out bone abnormalities or arthritis
Treatment Options
Conservative Treatment
- Observation: Many cysts resolve spontaneously without treatment
- Activity modification: Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
- Splinting: Immobilizing the joint to reduce cyst size
- Anti-inflammatory medications: NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
Medical Procedures
- Aspiration: Needle drainage of cyst fluid
- Aspiration with steroid injection: Drainage followed by anti-inflammatory injection
- Sclerotherapy: Injection of substances to prevent recurrence
Surgical Treatment
- Surgical excision: Complete removal of cyst and stalk
- Arthroscopic removal: Minimally invasive surgical technique
- Open surgery: Traditional surgical approach for complex cases
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- A lump that is growing rapidly in size
- Severe pain or numbness
- Significant limitation in joint movement
- Signs of infection (redness, warmth, fever)
- Changes in the appearance of the lump
- Interference with daily activities
- Concern about the nature of the lump
Potential Complications
- Recurrence: Cysts may return after treatment, especially with aspiration
- Infection: Rare, but can occur after procedures
- Joint stiffness: From prolonged immobilization or surgery
- Nerve compression: Large cysts may compress nearby nerves
- Tendon rupture: Very rare complication
- Scarring: From surgical procedures
Prevention
- Avoid repetitive joint stress when possible
- Use proper ergonomics during work activities
- Take breaks during repetitive tasks
- Maintain joint flexibility with regular stretching
- Protect joints during sports and activities
- Address joint problems early
- Maintain overall joint health through exercise
Prognosis
The outlook for ganglion cysts is generally excellent:
- Spontaneous resolution: 40-50% of cysts disappear without treatment
- Benign nature: Ganglion cysts never become cancerous
- Treatment success: Most respond well to appropriate treatment
- Recurrence rates: 10-15% after surgery, higher with aspiration
- Functional outcome: Most people return to normal activities