Dr. Tariq Jagnarine
Family Medicine, Endocrinology/ Diabetes
A ganglion cyst is a round, fluid-filled lump of tissue that usually appears along tendons or joints. Ganglion cysts range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a golf ball. They can also be soft or firm. Some cysts are visible underneath the skin, but others are so small that they can’t be seen.
These types of cysts are common, and are usually harmless. They aren’t cancerous. Most go away without treatment.
RISK FACTORS
Anyone can develop a ganglion cyst. They’re more likely to occur in people aged 15 to 40. They’re more common in women than in men, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
These types of cysts also tend to develop more frequently in people who repeatedly stress their wrists, such as gymnasts.
Other factors that may increase your risk of developing a ganglion cyst include:
Injury to the wrist or finger
Inflammation in a joint or tendon
Repetitive wrist or finger activities
Chronic conditions like arthritis
CAUSES
There’s no known cause for ganglion cysts. These types of cysts occur as a result of some type of trauma or irritation.
Ganglion cysts occur when fluid accumulates in a joint or around the tendons:
• Hand
• Wrist
• Ankle
• Foot
This accumulation may happen due to injury, trauma, or overuse. There’s also evidence that these cysts may be related to arthritis.
SYMPTOMS
It’s possible to have a ganglion cyst and not even know it. If symptoms do occur, the most common sign of a ganglion cyst is a visible lump or mass on the wrist, hand, ankle, or foot.
If the cyst is on the foot or ankle, people may feel discomfort or pain, especially when walking or wearing shoes. If the cyst is near a nerve, it can sometimes cause:
• Loss of mobility
• Numbness
• Pain
• Tingling sensation
Some ganglion cysts can become bigger or smaller over time.
When visible, a ganglion cyst looks like a round or misshapen lump or bump just below the skin’s surface. It often appears on the wrist, finger, or ankle, or foot. Because it’s filled with liquid, it can sometimes appear to be translucent.
DIAGNOSIS
The lump is examined first, a medical history is taken, and symptoms are evaluated. Doctors may order imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, especially if they can’t see the lump.
Transillumination, or the process of shining light through an area of the body to check for abnormalities, is also used to help differentiate between a solid tumour and one that’s filled with liquid, like a ganglion cyst.
The doctor may also take a sample of the fluid in the cyst for testing.
TREATMENT
Ganglion cysts often go away without treatment. If the cyst doesn’t cause pain or discomfort, treatment isn’t necessary. A doctor may advise doing the following:
• Avoid repetitive hand and wrist movements.
• Wear a wrist brace, because immobilisation might cause the cyst to shrink.
• Wear shoes that don’t touch the cyst, if it’s on the foot or ankle.
If the ganglion cyst causes pain or limits one’s mobility, a doctor may aspirate it. During this procedure, they’ll drain fluid from the cyst with a syringe.
Surgical removal is an option if other treatments haven’t worked. However, the cyst may return even if a doctor has surgically removed it.
PREVENTION
There’s no known way to prevent a ganglion cyst. If persons are prone to developing these types of cysts, even with treatment, they can reoccur.
If a ganglion cyst returns and becomes bothersome, talk with a doctor or medical professional about the next steps to treat it or remove it.
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that are, for the most part, harmless and won’t need treatment.
