Ganglia are noncancerous cysts that form on the body, usually on the wrists and hands, but can also occur on the ankles, feet, shoulders, or knees. They are filled with clear fluid and can be caused by injury or repetitive motion. Ganglia are harmless but can cause discomfort if they grow and put pressure on tendons or nerves.
A ganglion is a small, noncancerous cyst that forms on the body, usually on the wrists and hands, but sometimes on the ankles, feet, shoulders, or knees. The cyst looks like a bump under the skin and is filled with a clear fluid. This fluid usually consists of materials that exist in joints under normal circumstances. Ganglia usually grow on tendon sheaths or joint capsules and can form suddenly. While it’s difficult for doctors to pinpoint the exact cause of a ganglion, there are a few reasons why they can form.
One type of ganglion, called a mucous cyst, is typically associated with patients with hand osteoarthritis. The cyst typically forms on the top joint of the finger near the nail. These types of ganglia are usually very small, but they can be painful.
Ganglia tend to form on older children and adults. The age group most affected is 10 to 40, with women experiencing the condition three times as often as men.
One theory on how these cysts are caused refers to cysts that form due to an injury or repetitive motion. According to the theory, ganglia can occur when there is a breakdown of connective tissue or when use over time causes damage to the joint. One area in particular weakens from injury or repeated use. Fluid that is normally in the joint area leaks out through this area and builds up in a sac, causing this disorder.
In the event of an injury or damage from repetitive motion, the affected area becomes inflamed and irritated, causing fluid to build up. The ganglia can grow in relation to the level of activity: more activity using an irritated or damaged joint causes more fluid to collect in the cyst.
Ganglia are easy to diagnose by sight and touch. Sometimes, a doctor will order an X-ray to rule out injury or osteoarthritis. These cysts are harmless and usually painless, but they can cause problems if they grow and put pressure on tendons or nerves. This can cause discomfort and affect the use of the joint.
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