Ganglion cysts are benign growths that can be painful and limit joint movement. They can vary in size and location, and diagnosis is achieved through X-rays, aspiration, or MRI. Treatment options include doing nothing, splinting, aspiration, or surgical removal, but all have a high recurrence rate. Repeated suction attempts may eventually make the cyst go away.
A ganglion cyst is an abnormal growth that can arise around the joints in the feet, wrists, or hands. There is usually only one cyst at a time, and the size of the cyst can vary. These are thankfully benign growths, but they can sometimes be painful and can affect the way a joint moves, limiting movement in some way or causing weakness. Treating them can also be a bit challenging, due to the high recurrence rate.
The symptoms of a ganglion cyst can vary from person to person. Many people notice a large, soft bump that can be pushed in slightly with a little give, but still stays put. The bump could be on the wrist, one of the fingers, or the top of the foot, and usually, the hands or wrists are the most likely locations for cysts to form. Some people experience pain, and some forms of these cysts are small and cannot be seen. Smaller cysts can actually be more uncomfortable.
One known thing about the behavior of these cysts is that the size of the cyst can increase or decrease quite regularly. An increase in size is often associated with extra joint activity, which can create more joint-like fluid transit into the cyst. When the joint is at rest, the ganglion cyst can rapidly shrink in size.
Many people also wonder what causes these cysts and the answers here are not favorable or complete. Some medical professionals believe that overloading the joints can cause cysts to form, but this doesn’t take into account the many people who have repetitive motion injuries of the hands or feet without ever developing a ganglion cyst. These cysts may be more likely in those with arthritic conditions of the joints, but they certainly aren’t limited to people with arthritis.
If people suspect a ganglion cyst, it’s important to see a doctor for confirmation of the diagnosis. Diagnosis is usually achieved by X-rays, aspiration of fluid from the joint, and possibly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The last test can be avoided due to its expense.
Patients can then receive different treatment options. The first is to do nothing, as a ganglion cyst can go away on its own. Splinting is sometimes recommended to keep the joint from moving and to see if the cyst will recede. Some doctors recommend aspiration and others suggest surgical removal.
The treatment that is no longer recommended is to poke the cyst with something big and heavy, like a book. In the past, these growths were called biblical cysts and were treated with a physical blow. The treatment has not worked and could cause injury to the joint or the parts of the body surrounding it.
Regardless of the remedy suggested, a ganglion cyst can be difficult to cure. Aspiration and surgery have fairly high recurrence rates, and splinting has not been shown to be very effective. It has been noted that repeated suction attempts can eventually make the cyst go away, but it can take time. Recovering from surgery also takes some effort, and many people must participate in physical therapy to regain full motion in the affected joint.
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