They are not cancerous and are often harmless
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sack that grows out of the tissues surrounding a joint. The fluid inside ganglion cysts is thick and slippery, almost like the fluid that lubricates the joints.
They can vary is size and location
Not all ganglion cysts are created the same. They can grow in several joints of the hand and wrist, but the most common places where they develop are the top and underside of the wrist.
Ganglion cysts can change in size, appear, and disappear without warning.
They are more common in younger people
Ganglion cysts often present themselves in people between 15 and 40 years old, especially among women. The exception are ganglion cysts that develop at the end joint of a finger. These cysts are more common in people 40 to 70 years old and who suffer from arthritis.
Ganglion cysts can be painful
Although many ganglion cysts do not produce any symptoms, if a cyst is found in a location where it applies pressure to the nerves it can cause pain, muscle weakness, and tingling.
Ganglion cysts can be treated non-surgically
As mentioned before, cysts can come and go without having to receive any treatment for them. However, if the cyst causes pain or other uncomfortable symptoms, it can be treated with a non-surgical procedure called aspiration. An aspiration procedure is when the fluid is drained from the ganglion cyst. Aspiration is not a permanent solution for ganglion cyst because it does not remove the root of the cyst. In most cases, ganglion cysts come back after an aspiration procedure.
There are surgical treatments to remove ganglion cysts
Surgery might be recommended if symptoms are not resolved by non-surgical methods. The surgical procedure to remove a ganglion cyst is called an excision and it involves removing the cyst as well as its root.
If you have a ganglion cyst and would like to find out more about treatment, make an appointment with our experienced physicians today!
